HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2017-07-18MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
J U LY 18, 2017
Special Meeting & Attendance: The Moab City Council held a Special Meeting on the above date in the
Council Chambers at the Moab City Center, located at 217 East Center Street, Moab, Utah. A recording
of the meeting is archived at http://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html.
Special Meeting Called to Order: Mayor Sakrison called the Special City Council Meeting to order at
12:02 PM. In attendance were Councilmembers Bailey, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary.
Also in attendance were City Manager David Everitt, Deputy Recorder Danielle Guerrero, Recorder
Assistant Eve Tallman, and Moab Valley Fire Protection District Chief Phillip Mosher.
Temporary Fireworks Ban —Approved
Motion and Discussion: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to approve an ordinance imposing a
temporary ban on the discharge of certain types of fireworks within City limits. Councilmember Jones
seconded the motion.
Mayor Sakrison described several types of fireworks that would be included in the ban, including those
that explode, fly, or report; those that travel more than six feet off the ground, roman candles, and
more.
Chief Mosher was invited to speak about fires and incidents related to the Fourth of July. Mosher stated
fires had been put out by the time the Fire Department was on scene. He stated there were not many
calls this year on the Fourth of July holiday, and noted it was a mild year, with four calls as compared to
seventeen calls two years ago.
City Manager Everitt asked about the year overall, and Mosher stated it was a low year for calls. He also
remarked on the short notice for the upcoming holiday weekend and raised questions about how to get
the word out about the potential ban. Everitt also asked if there was a sense of local residents or visitors
as the main participants in fireworks activities, and a distinction was not made.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd noted she had received several emails expressing concern about the
noise and fire danger and noted her neighborhood was heavily impacted and remnants of fireworks
landed in her yard.
Councilmember Derasary asked if there was a legal control on notification to the public, and City
Manager Everitt stated there were not legal constraints but rather matters of practicality regarding
notifying the public. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd added that several other cities had recently acted
to temporarily ban fireworks. City Manager Everitt stated he would prepare a press release.
Councilmember Jones remarked that other counties had categorically banned fireworks due to fire
danger.
Councilmember Ershadi suggested a public service announcement noting the drought conditions.
Councilmember Jones mentioned the burn ban and the effects of unpredictable winds that could
exacerbate conditions. Councilmember Ershadi suggested a future effort to coordinate with the fire
department. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd noted that law enforcement officers could talk to violators
rather than issue citations. Councilmember Bailey noted the only existing rules in place describe where
in the City fireworks are not currently allowed. He described the conditions on the Fourth of July as
Page 1 of 2
July 18, 2017
dangerous. He added that it was overwhelming in the neighborhoods with commercial -grade fireworks,
including at the ballfields. He stated he felt people were not acting responsibly. Councilmember
Knuteson-Boyd agreed that people aren't being responsible and stated she did not want to take a
chance on setting the wetlands afire again.
City Manager Everitt stated the effectiveness of a ban may be limited due to the short notice, but that it
was a symbolic act regarding potential future actions. Councilmember Ershadi expressed concern that
dangerous activities should not be allowed at the ballfields. Councilmember Bailey noted that at one
time fireworks were enjoyable but now they are frightening. Councilmember Jones noted it will be a
good indicator of the effectiveness of public relations and added he will be interested in the positive and
negative response. City Manager Everitt stated that since many cities have enacted bans, perhaps there
will be a legislative solution.
Councilmember Derasary asked about why, historically, fireworks were allowed in the City only. The
response was that it was because of the proximity of the fire department and less open scrubland to
catch ablaze.
Councilmember Ershadi stated her hope for a public awareness push only and that a ban could be a
future collaborative effort.
Vote: The motion carried 4-1 aye, with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones, Derasary and Knuteson-Boyd
voting aye and Councilmember Ershadi voting nay.
Adjournment: Mayor Sakrison adjourned the meeting at 12:35 PM.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
David L. Sakrison, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder
Page 2 of 2
July 18, 2017