Title
Approval of Amendment to Ordinance 9.48.160 Relating to Fireworks to Modify the Violation from Misdemeanor to a Civil Infraction
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Ordinance amendment to OMC 9.48.160 on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Ordinance amending OMC 9.48.160 relating to fireworks to change the violation from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction.
Staff Contact:
Robert Bradley, Fire Marshal, Assistant Fire Chief
360.753.8458
Presenter(s):
Robert Bradley, Fire Marshal, Assistant Fire Chief
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
The citizens of Olympia made it clear to the City that they supported a fireworks ban. The ban was put in place by the City Council using state language stating violators being subject to a misdemeanor. For the last three years the Fire and Police Departments have enforced the ban through educational intervention. Changing the violation of the ban from a Misdemeanor to a Civil Infraction gives the Olympia Police Department a more realistic tool for enforcement. Olympia Police Department is in agreement to this amendment.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The CNA was provided with a presentation.
Options:
1. Approve the amendment to OMC 9.48.160 to change the violation from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction.
2. Do not approve the amendment to OMC 9.48.160 to change the violation from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance with modifications.