HomeMy WebLinkAbout15 AB1295 FIREWORKS 05-16-05
AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item ~
Reviewed: f/tt-
City Manager
Finance Director ~
MEETING DATE:
MAY 16, 2005
TO:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
WILLIAM A. HUSTON, PATRICIA ESTRELLA
SUBJECT:
ASSEMBLY BILL 1295-0PPOSE
SUMMARY
AB 1295 would authorize the sale of fireworks from December 26 through January 1 if
authorized by a city. In addition, the bill would require the State Fire Marshal to
establish and collect original and annual renewal fees on fireworks licenses for the
purpose of covering the disposal costs associated with seized fireworks. It would permit
local agencies authorized by statute to enforce the State Fire Marshal's regulations to
apply for reimbursement of its costs in disposing of any seized fireworks.
RECOMMENDATION
Oppose.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
DISCUSSION
On June 4, 1984, the City Council approved Ordinance 913 prohibiting the sale and use
of fireworks. Although the ordinance would remain in effect, Tustin would be impacted
by this bill. If other communities allow the sale of fireworks for an additional time period,
some persons likely will purchase them and use them in Tustin as occurs each Fourth
of July. This would present not only community safety issues but a costly impact on our
operations. Fire departments and law enforcement agencies would need to increase
staffing during this period in order to prepare for the inevitable increase in calls. This
means additional personnel for patrols, inspections, attempts at enforcement and
therefore increased overtime costs during an already very busy time of year for public
safety agencies. In addition, this is a time of year in Southern California that associated
with low humidity and Santa Ana winds.
Finally, those units responding to fireworks related incidents are not available for other
emergency calls. During the holidays we can expect an increase in alcohol-vehicle
related emergencies.