City Council
MEETING DATE: 3/25/2015
TITLE:
Title
The Cathedral City Safe and Sane Fireworks Program
End
FROM:
John Muhr, Interim Fire Chief
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This item is provided for discussion and direction only.
Body
BACKGROUND:
In 2003, Cathedral City faced several financial setbacks associated with the national economic downturn. As a result, local charities that that were previously subsidized with City funds were then forced to cope with reduced funding. At the same time, the Independence Day holiday was nearing, and the City was expecting to spend thousands of dollars providing patrols throughout the City to enforce illegal fireworks activity. This had been the experience in the past.
A solution, that would provide a mitigating mechanism to cover the costs associated with enforcement of illegal fireworks, was to model a program after one that had been successful in the City of Loma Linda. This program would accomplish two objectives. First it would provide funding to cover the costs associated with patrol and public education related to Fireworks, and as well it would offer nonprofits the funding that was displaced during the budget reductions. In 2003, Division Chief Hatfield drafted a resolution that was passed permitting the sale and discharge of Safe and Sane Fireworks in Cathedral City.
The program was originally open to four established non-profit organizations that, prior to budget cuts, had been receiving funds from the City. In addition, the program was open to four undetermined non-profit organizations. This created an opportunity for eight groups to participate in total. Today, the program is open to six groups, three of which are named in the ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
Program Highlights:
1. Application period and review:
? Application period opens for one week.
? Applicant pays application fee ($100 non-refundable).
? Fire Department verifies non-profit status.
? Fire Depa...
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