Fireworks' use and sales legalized in Gravette for the July 4th celebration

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

— The Gravette City Council Thursday night approved a new ordinance governing the possession and sale of fireworks and other explosives. The action repealed an ordinance approved in 2006.

The ordinance, passed with an emergency clause, becomes effective immediately. It allows the sale of fireworks which are not prohibited under state or federal laws inside the city limits. The previous ordinance prohibited such sales.

The ordinance sets regulations which include payment for a permit, obtaining insurance and other provisions. Interested persons may secure information at the Gravette City Hall.

The new ordinance also governs the discharge of fireworks inside the city limits, limited to July 3 and 4, and between the hours of noon and midnight on those dates.

Discharge of bottle rockets, sky rockets, Roman candles and any firework that is mounted to and “flies on a stick” is prohibited.

The ordinance also allows the fire chief to prohibit the discharge of any fireworks based on fire conditions.

The council took no action on ordinances involving lot splits and consolidation at 708 6th Ave. S.W. sought by Max and Shirley Wallace.

The council also authorized changing the address at 201 First Ave. S.W. to Suite A and B as required by the Post Office. The change was sought by Kim Hendren.

Officer Speed Estep was presented a plaque honoring him for 10 years of service asresource officer at the Gravette Schools. Alderman Jim Denver made the presentation on behalf of the city, the school and the students. Estep is retiring from that position but will remain a member of the police department.

City recorder Mike von Ree presided at the meeting in the absence of Mayor Byron Warren. All council members were present except Larry Stidham. City attorney Tom Smith, who has been elected to a judicial position, expressed his thanks for the support of local citizens in last week’s election.

News, Pages 1 on 05/30/2012