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 an...
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