Scottville to address fireworks issues

July 15, 2013

SCOTTVILLE — After receiving numerous complaints from residents, Scottville City Commission will begin talking about regulating fireworks during national holidays during its regular meeting this afternoon.

In 2012 the state legislature legalized the sale of most fireworks in Michigan. It also allowed for the usage of fireworks by the general public on the day before, during and after a national holiday. The law superseded local ordinances. In May of this year the legislature amended the law allowing local municipalities the ability to regulate some of the usage.

The change in law allows for municipalities in counties with a population of less than 750,000 to enact ordinances restricting fireworks usage between 1 and 8 a.m. on the day before, the day after and the day of national holidays.

Scottville City Commission will discuss this issue today.

“I think there has been a negative impact to cities and even townships since fireworks were legalized,” City Manager Amy Williams said. “I hear complaints from not just city residents but from people outside the city. The law has been especially negative in towns where the homes are close to each other. The fireworks are quite loud and they disturb neighbors. Our police department hands are tied with how we can enforce the use of fireworks. Our police stop and talk to people but on the day before, day of and day after there hadn’t been much we can do.

“Now with the change in law from late May we can make needed changes to our ordinances for the Labor Day holiday. I’ve asked the city attorney to make our ordinance as strict as possible to try and help with the noise.”

The commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at city hall, 105 N. Main St.