Local Municipalities Discuss Fireworks Policy

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June 19, 2020

By News Director Jared Atha

With the Fourth of July holiday nearing, local municipalities have been discussing their fireworks policy within their cities.

During the latest Elk City Commissioners proceedings, the commissioners discussed the future of allowing public fireworks in Ackley Park. Mayor Nick Archer says this has been a topic the commission has discussed in previous meetings, where it was a concern of being able to utilize contracted department of corrections inmates to help pick up trash. Earlier in the meeting the commission had discussed and tabled action on whether or not to renew the contract with the D.O.C.

Former Elk City Fire Chief and now ward four commissioner Rick Shelton outlined the benefits of allowing public fireworks at one location.

Other city employees spoke up in support of continuing to allow the public to discharge fireworks in the park, even if the D.O.C. contract is not renewed. One employee noted that even with the help from the inmates, city employees would still gather at the park the next day to help pick up trash. The commission ultimately agreed to continue to allow the public to discharge fireworks in Ackley Park.

In Clinton, it was discussed at the recent city council meeting to allow the discharge of fireworks within city limits, under certain conditions. Currently it is not allowed to discharge fireworks of any kind within city limits.

Mayor David Berrong said it was discussed, however no action was taken.

Berrong says there are no plans to reconvene to discuss the matter before the July 4th holiday.