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RESOLUTION NO. 13988
A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE CITIZENS OF AND
VISITORS TO THE CITY OF PUEBLO NOT TO USE OR
DISCHARGE FIREWORKS WITHIN THE CITY OF PUEBLO
AND DIRECTING THE PUEBLO POLICE DEPARTMENT
AND PUEBLO FIRE DEPARTMENT TO VIGOROUSLY
ENFORCE STATE AND LOCAL LAWS BANNING THE
SALE AND USE OF FIREWORKS
WHEREAS, a prohibition on the use and discharge of fireworks during high fire
risk periods would promote the health, safety and welfare of the City and its citizens.
NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
SECTION 1.
The City Council encourages the citizens of and visitors to the City of Pueblo not
to use or discharge fireworks during the 2018 Fourth of July celebrations.
SECTION 2.
The administrative officials of the City of Pueblo are directed not to issue any
permit under Section 3-2-53, P.M.C., for the sale of permitted fireworks within the City of
Pueblo, and the sale of permitted fireworks under Section 3-2-53, P.M.C., during the
period of seven (7) days prior to the Fourth of July in 2018 is prohibited.
SECTION 3.
The Pueblo Police Department and the Pueblo Fire Department are directed to
vigorously enforce all applicable state laws and local ordinances relating to the unlawful
sale and use of fireworks including without limitation Sections 3-2-50 to 3-2-58 of the
Pueblo Municipal Code.
SECTION 4.
The officers and staff of the City are authorized and directed to perform any and
all acts consistent with the intent of this Resolution to effectuate the policies and
procedures described herein.
SECTION 5.
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon final passage.
INTRODUCED June 11, 2018
BY: Ed Brown
MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL
APPROVED:
PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL
ATTESTED BY:
ACTING CITY CLERK
City Clerk’s Office Item # M-9
Background Paper for Proposed
Resolution
COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
TO: Christopher A. Nicoll and Members of City Council
CC: Sam Azad, City Manager
VIA: Brenda Armijo, Acting City Clerk
FROM: Shawn Shelton, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE CITIZENS OF AND VISITORS TO THE
CITY OF PUEBLO NOT TO USE OR DISCHARGE FIREWORKS WITHIN THE
CITY OF PUEBLO AND DIRECTING THE PUEBLO POLICE DEPARTMENT
AND PUEBLO FIRE DEPARTMENT TO VIGOROUSLY ENFORCE STATE AND
LOCAL LAWS BANNING THE SALE AND USE OF FIREWORKS
SUMMARY:
This Resolution encourages citizens and visitors to refrain from the use of fireworks during the
Fourth of July celebration; directs administrative officials to not issue permits for and prohibits
the sale of permitted fireworks; and directs the Pueblo Police Department and Fire Department
to vigorously enforce applicable laws relating to the unlawful sale and use of fireworks.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
When circumstances warrant, the City has in the past imposed the same or similar restrictions.
BACKGROUND:
A high fire danger warning is presently in effect and likely to continue for the duration of the
Fourth of July celebration. Weather conditions in our city are like that of 2012 and 2013 in
which a large number of homes were destroyed in Colorado due to the Waldo Canyon fire and
the Black Forest fire. So far this year Pueblo County has experienced several fires resulting in
the loss of numerous structures and the burning of thousands of acres of grass and river bottom
th
land including numerous fires along the river drainages in the City. A fire this April 17, on
Barnet Road just east of the City, destroyed 5 homes and the Carson Midway fire on the Pueblo
County line destroyed 2 homes. Long term weather predictions are forecasting above average
temperatures and our region is in a moderate to extreme drought. The recent scattered rainfall
has done little to change conditions and persistent winds continue the drying process.
Based on the foregoing, this Resolution comes within the City’s police powers and is proposed
to protect the lives, health and property of its citizens.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal relating to loss of tax revenues and licensing fees with respect to permitted fireworks
sales. It should be noted that when a high fire danger warning is in effect the use of most if not
all permitted fireworks even if sold would be prohibited.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
STAKEHOLDER PROCESS:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could choose not to pass the proposed Resolution, but in such case, the
restrictions and directives set forth in the Resolution to protect the lives, health and property of
the citizens would not be in effect.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of the Resolution.
Attachments:
Proposed Resolution