Agenda Item Wording:
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Presentation on pro-active efforts being undertaken to deter the use of illegal fireworks.
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Deadline for Action: 6/20/2022
Submitting Department: Fire Department
Contact Name and Phone Number: Corbin Reed, Fire Marshal 559-713-4272
Department Recommendation:
Accept presentation on pre-4th of July efforts to deter the use of illegal fireworks in the community.
Background Discussion:
As Independence Day draws closer and celebrations begin, the Visalia Fire Department is coordinating pro-active City staff efforts to implement Council policy and deter the use of illegal fireworks.
In 2021, Council substantially increased the fines issued for the use of illegal fireworks in the City of Visalia. The fee structure now begins at $2,000 for the first violation, escalates to $3,000 for the second violation, and to $4,000 for the third violation and each additional violation. Violations are tracked over a three-year period meaning, if a resident received a citation last year for $2,000, and is cited again this year, this year’s citation will be for $3,000.
For the 2022 fireworks season, the Fire Department is again focusing on preventing the use of illegal fireworks within the City of Visalia. Multiple social media messages are designed and will be shared across all City of Visalia social media platforms. Banners with information pertaining to fines for the use of illegal fireworks will be hung at all Visalia fire stations, and posters with fine information and how to report the use of illegal fireworks will be hung at all City facilities with public access. The website, www.visalia.city/celebratesafely, has been updated and provides a map showing the locations of all permitted Safe and Sane fireworks booths in the City of Visalia. Additionally, the website provides safety tips for safe and sane fireworks use and pet safety. The website also provides the address of each fire station to encourage citizens to anonymously drop off illegal fireworks at Visalia fire stations for safe disposal.
During the week of June 20th, fire department personnel will be hanging door hangers in the neighborhoods of the community impacted by illegal fireworks use. Approximately 2,500 door hangers will be placed in areas with high reports of use this year and in areas with high numbers of citations last year. The purpose of the door hangers is to provide community members with statistics on illegal fireworks use, information on the fines for the use of illegal fireworks, and the phone number to report the use of illegal fireworks.
A call center will again be established the evenings of July 3rd and 4th. The call center consists of 10 dedicated call-takers inputting the reports of illegal fireworks into a mapping system that feeds the information directly to patrol units in the field. The call center serves two purposes. First, the call center lowers the illegal fireworks burden on Dispatch during this exceptionally busy holiday and allows dispatchers to focus on standard operations and calls for service. Second, the call center provides a robust system for citizens to report their concern to a City employee.
In addition, the City has partnered with the Visalia Rawhide to enhance a Fourth of July fireworks show that will be displayed after dusk, at the conclusion of the baseball game. The public will be able to gather in Recreation Park to view the show and enjoy the sense of community. The public is encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets and gather on the lawn in Recreation Park on Jacob Street to enjoy the show.
Although staff is currently seeing a downward trend in reports once again this year, there will be dedicated patrols throughout the month of June with a significant unit increase around the Independence Day holiday. Staff is partnering with the Visalia Police Department for both preventive efforts and enforcement during patrol details. Each dedicated patrol unit will consist of a Visalia Police Officer and Visalia Fire Department member.
Enforcement, prevention, and education efforts will again be a joint effort across the county with neighboring departments working together to combat illegal fireworks use throughout the valley.
In 2021, Council directed Fire Department staff to implement a rewards system as an incentive for citizens to assist with enforcement efforts. This rewards system provides a $500 reward for information leading to the citation of individuals selling illegal fireworks within the community. This rewards system helps catch individuals who are selling illegal fireworks in our community and potentially reduces the amount of illegal fireworks used within the community.
Fiscal Impact:
The City Council authorized $10,000 to enhance the fireworks show adjacent to Recreation Park, and will cover the cost of overtime incurred by having additional staff on duty to patrol on and near the 4th of July.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
No motion required.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Powerpoint presentation