Agenda Item Wording:
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Presentation on pro-active efforts being undertaken to deter the use of illegal fireworks and information on fun activities in the community to celebrate the holiday weekend.
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Deadline for Action: N/A
Submitting Department: Fire Department
Contact Name and Phone Number: Fire Chief Dan Griswold and Kelli Kincaid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department Recommendation:
Background Discussion:
As Independence Day draws closer and celebrations begin, the City is coordinating pro-active City staff efforts to implement Council policy and deter the use of illegal fireworks through education, enforcement and fun options to celebrate over the holiday weekend.
In 2021, the 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 2023 fireworks season, the Fire Department is again focusing on preventing the use of illegal fireworks within the City of Visalia. Multiple social media messages were designed and have been shared across all City of Visalia social media platforms. Banners with information pertaining to fines for the use of illegal fireworks have been hung at all Visalia fire stations, and posters with fine information and how to report the use of illegal fireworks have been 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.
Fire department personnel will again be hanging door hangers in the neighborhoods of the community impacted by illegal fireworks use. Approximately 2,000 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. New for 2023, approximately 41,000 mailers have been added to City of Visalia utility bills. These mailers have the same information as the door hangers and are being added as an additional means of informing the public of the City’s illegal fireworks prevention efforts
A call center will again be established on 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 with a minimal amount of wait time. Citizens can report illegal fireworks use by calling 559-513-8080. Reporting a specific address is most beneficial, but a general location, such as cross streets, may also be provided.
Currently, reports of illegal fireworks are on par with 2022. 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, the 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.
In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department reminds Visalians to celebrate Independence Day by remembering pet safety as well! Leave pets at home if going to a fireworks display. If fireworks are being used nearby, put pets in a safe interior room to avoid exposure to sound and make sure the backyard is secure so the pet cannot escape. Microchipping pets is a great way to help pets be returned if they are lost. Microchipping can be coordinated through contacting your veterinarian, or by calling City’s Animal Services at 559-713-4700 to schedule an appointment. Also, if your pet is already microchipped, now is the perfect time to ensure your contact information is up to date.
Please visit the Animal Services webpage at Visalia.City under Parks and Rec for additional information, including how to report a lost or found pet. Additional information on fireworks safety and community events can be found at Visalia.city/celebratesafely or by visiting the City of Visalia’s Facebook page.
The City of Visalia would like to offer Visalians options to celebrate Independence Day by offering several activities to enjoy.
The festivities will start on July 1, with a free public swim at Redwood High School pool, 12:30pm-3:30pm. Along with a free Family Art Day, which will be hosted by Arts Visalia, 1:00pm-4:00pm at 214 E Oak Ave Visalia.
Residents can also enjoy July 4 by participating in The Great American Race with a 5k or 10k run/walk at Riverway Sports Park! A discount code for Visalia residents is available.
A special offer is also available at the Visalia Adventure Park. Residents are welcome to enjoy a “Sun Pass” for $10/per person from, 11:00am-6:00pm on July 4.
Also on the 4th, Residents can join in at the Anthony Community Center to hoop it up starting at 9:00am-11:00am with free open gym hours. To complete the day, enjoy the July 4 Fireworks at Recreation Park directly after the Rawhide baseball game that starts at 7pm. Free ice cream will be offered in the park starting at 8:30pm, while supplies last.
Fiscal Impact:
The City Council authorized $10,000 to enhance the residents July 4th experience and will cover the cost of overtime incurred by having additional staff on duty to patrol on and near the 4th of July.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
No motion required.
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Attachments: PowerPoint Presentation