For City Council Meeting [January 12, 2021]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Sean Grayson, Acting City Manager
FROM: Brian Park, Interim Fire Chief
Title
Request City Council to Approve the Continuation of the Ad Hoc Fire Work Committee through August 1, 2021.
Body
BACKGROUND
On July 14, 2020 the Rialto City Council established an Ad Hoc Firework Committee composed of 12 community members. The committee met 10 times from July through November. On November 10, 2020 the Rialto City Council heard a report from the committee and directed staff to consider ballot measures a resolution prohibiting the possession, use, and sale of fireworks in the City. The term of the committee is set to expire on January 14, 2021.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
An Ad Hoc Firework Committee has been working to produce a comprehensive community-based plan to reduce the negative impacts of fireworks in the City of Rialto. This approach is intended to be proactive, integrate existing resources, involve community partners, is efficient and includes measurement criteria for council and the community to assess the effectiveness of the plan.
The Ad Hoc Firework Committee will continue to work with city staff and other key stakeholders to develop and deliver a compressive plan to the City Council for consideration in spring of 2021 that includes; education, engineering, enforcement and equity.
Fireworks Impacts
The impacts of all fireworks are profound throughout the region and within the City of Rialto:
According to the Fireworks Annual Report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are an average of 9,000 firework-related emergency room visits in the one-month period surrounding July 4 each year. There were at least eight fireworks-related deaths in 2017, including one fatality caused by sparklers. Children aged 10-14 years were most likely to go to the emergency room from firework injuries; the second most likely group was adults between 20-24 years old. The harm from fireworks ranges from minor injuries to loss of limbs and even death has been reported in Rialto.
The loud noises and concussion generated by fireworks can be impactful on humans and often cause a sense of unease. For older persons, those with certain medical conditions and especially for those suffering from post-traumatic stress, fireworks can trigger significant stress responses.
Research shows that fireworks have a profound effect on many kinds of domestic animals and wildlife. Birds and small mammals will abandon their nests or homes in fear, they can become disoriented and many times never return to their homes. Animal shelters see an increase in lost pets, as well as injured animals during the fourth of July holiday each year.
Each year more than 18,000 fires are caused by fireworks in the United States. Some of California’s large wildland fires have been caused by fireworks. In Rialto wildland fires and structures fires related to fireworks use happen each year as do a large number of fires in ornamental vegetation, fences, trees, dumpsters, and even vehicles.
Continuation of the Committee will allow for a comprehensive recommendation to Council in the spring of 2021 and an after action review of the results/impacts on fireworks during the July Fourth holiday of 2021.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed action does not meet the definition of a project as defined by Section 15378 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with Guiding Principle 3A in the General Plan:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and supports this staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
No impact to the City’s Operating Budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
No impact to the City’s Capital Improvement Budget.
Licensing
This action does not require a business license
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Ad Hoc Firework Committee to be extended until August 1st of 2021.