Fireworks and fire trucks dominate discussion April 17
Remembering a friend Medical Lake High School students take a moment of silence to remember Journey Tueller at a memorial on April 18. Tueller died in an automobile accident on April 14.
As if a meeting that began with news of the resignation of Councilman John Merrick was not enough, the April 17 gathering of the Medical Lake City Council continued to provide plenty of opportunities for more.
The newly-elected Merrick officially offered his resignation on April 14 in an email to fellow council members and Mayor Shirley Maike. Unexpected absences because of a new job Merrick took after the November 2017 results were what kept him away from numerous meetings in 2018.
Merrick's resignation was officially accepted at the meeting and the process was initiated to fill the vacant seat. That process has begun with information and applications available at City Hall.
Perhaps most notable on business that followed was council approval to allow a professional fireworks show, presented by Rocketman Pyros, LLC, on Friday, June 15, the day before the annual Founders Day celebration.
Rocketman conducted the Winter Fest fireworks display this past December for Re*Imagine Medical Lake, and in order to satisfy state-mandated training offered to provide the Founders Day show at no charge.
The fireworks company has a crew of 10–15 people who must have training in order to keep its license, and more importantly insurance from Lloyds of London.
Company owner Daniel VerHeul answered a number of questions, specifically regarding any falling pieces of each display. He said the fallout burns up well before it hits ground, or in this case, Medical Lake.
And while the matter of fireworks in the city, particularly the sale to private individuals, continues, to be a hot topic, Councilwoman Jessica Roberts wanted residents know that the opposition voices are being heard.
Councilman John Paikuli said that by having more professional displays could make it easier to outlaw the private sales in the future.
The council approved the deal with Rocketman, plus a permit for a retail sales outlet at 111 W. Brooks Road for sales around the Fourth of July in unanimous votes.
City Administrator Doug Ross presented information on a $214,000 Transportation Improvement Board grant that required approval of an inter-local agreement with Spokane County who would provide crews and equipment. The grant would pay for a variety of road improvements. After some study of the standard agreement language by city attorney Cindy McMullen, the council approved that as well.
One of the final items was a matter of surplus equipment from the Medical Lake Fire Department, including their 1993 three-person brush truck that responds primarily to wildland fires.
The city hopes to sell the two-wheel drive, manual transmission vehicle capable of caring three firefighters - the last new fire truck purchased as the department - for between $35,000 – $40,000. Proceeds would go towards a newer vehicle with four-wheel-drive and a crew cab.
Again, but after significant discussion and questions to Fire Chief Jason Mayfield from several members of the council, they voted unanimously to begin the process.
Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.
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