County won’t allow sales, use of fireworks during holiday season
If you were hoping for a repeat of last year’s interim ordinance allowing fireworks sales and use during the week before New Year’s Eve, you’re going to be disappointed. A request from fireworks seller Jake’s Fireworks for another interim ordinance failed to move forward after the Clark County Council split in a 2-2 vote.
Councilors Julie Olson and Temple Lentz voted against holding a public hearing on the request while Councilor Richard Rylander Jr. and Chair Karen Bowerman voted in favor. Councilor Gary Medvigy was absent from the eeting.
County Manager Kathleen Otto said the county has not allowed the sales and use of fireworks during the holidays in the past, although Camas, La Center and Yacolt does.
Olson and Lentz noted the council’s approval of an interim ordinance last year came only after fireworks sales and use were prohibited ahead of Fourth of July celebrations because of extreme heat and dry conditions.
“It was an unusual situation. I think this is a bad process, whether its fireworks or anything else, to do an interim ordinance six weeks or eight weeks before,” Olson said during the meeting.
Olson said since the county allowed a full week of fireworks sales this summer, there was no need to allow sales during the holiday season.
Rylander said he wanted to give the public the chance to weigh in on the issue before the council makes decision.
“A number of cities in north Clark County do allow the sale of fireworks during this time and I would just like to make sure – representing District 5 – that District 5 has the opportunity to be heard,” Rylander said.
Without a majority vote, the motion for a public hearing failed to pass.
To watch the full meeting, go to https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings.
— Shari Phiel
