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 Department verifies City business license.
2. Mandatory Orientation Meeting:
• Requires two attendees from each applicant organization attend.
• Requires one attendee from each fireworks manufacturer/supplier to attend.
• Lottery is used if more than six applications are turned in.
• Fire Chief/Fire Marshal reviews program rules with applicants
• Additional documentation is due which includes:
Program permit fee
Safety permit fee
Refundable $150 deposit (for location cleanup at end of program)
Property owner authorization for booth location
Insurance certificate naming the City of Cathedral City additionally insured to $1M
State Board of Equalization temporary resale certificate
3. Fireworks booths are dropped off at approved locations no sooner than one week before program start date (June 28).
4. Fireworks sales may begin no sooner than noon on June 28th, and only after booths are successfully inspected by the Fire Department in the morning of June 28.
5. A Fireworks Committee reviews actions approved and taken by the Fire Department.
6. Fugitive dust mitigation (PM10) plan may be required.
7. Booths must be located at least one half (1/2) mile apart.
Fees collected are allocated to the following costs associated with the program:
1. Application Fee ($100)
2. Fireworks Program Permit Fee ($2,749)
• Administrative costs
• Public safety patrols
• Cleanup of public areas at end of program
• Advertising
3. Safety Permit Fee ($342)
• Costs associated with Fire Marshal enforcement of program, including inspections and spot checks, and citations
4. Deposit ($150, non-refundable)
• Ensures booth site is left as it was found or better, and is returned to issuer upon successful inspection.
Timelines for the 2015 Fireworks Program:
March 26 Application notification begins via press release, website and Facebook
April 6 Application period opens
April 9 Application period closes (4PM)
April 22 Mandatory meeting and lottery (if necessary) (2PM)
June 28 Booth inspection (8AM-12PM), Sales begin at 12PM
July 4 Sales end at 10PM
FISCAL IMPACT:
The $3,191 received from each qualified group represents the actual costs for safety patrols, inspections, enforcement, advertising and administrative tasks. The number of patrol hours is dependent on the number of groups that qualify and participate each year; the more groups that participate allows for a greater patrol presence.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance #723, Adopted May 22, 2013