Medical Lake council gets an earful on proposed fireworks ban

Social media was set ablaze ahead of the Medical Lake City Council’s June 18 regular meeting when a discussion about a proposed fireworks ban within the city limits was placed on the agenda.

The ban prompted a standing-room-only crowd of nearly 100 people to arrive ready to voice their opinion on the issue.

It was enough to warrant the subtle presence of two Spokane County Sheriff deputies.

But the first reading — a procedural precursor in which two readings are required to pass an ordinance — never occurred due to an administrative oversight that failed to include the language of the proposed ban in the agenda packet, Mayor Shirley Maike told the crowd.

“It is not in the council packets and available to the public,” Maike said. “So we’re going to take it off the agenda.”

Still, the council heard public comment from about 20 people who signed up to speak. Most spoke against a fireworks ban.

Reasons for opposing a ban ranged from the sale of fireworks supporting various community fundraising efforts, family traditions during the holiday, to patriotism and the historical celebration of America’s independence.

Twelve-year-old Shayley Taylor, reading from prepared remarks that included references to Supreme Court case law, noted that Independence Day is an equal rights holiday that marks America as a one-of-a-kind country.

“This very meeting is proof of America’s greatness, where we can all exercise our inalienable right to freedom of speech,” Taylor told the council. “Limiting how individuals celebrate the Fourth of July is in opposition to the very freedoms we are celebrating.”

She cited a 2017 state fire marshal’s report on fireworks-related issues that reported 216 injuries and 83 reported fires that caused $59,200 in damage — across the entire state.

Those in support of a ban cited the noise and trash left behind after Independence Day celebrations.

Lahnie Henderson, a perennial proponent of a ban, noted she was not against a public display, just private use, and “folks that are drinking alcohol, using foul language and disturbing the peace,” she said.

“These folks only want a good time and do not care about their neighbors,” Henderson said. “It’s these individuals that cause the problems for several hours, on end, both days before and after the holiday.”

Fireworks can be legally discharged only on July 4 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., according to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The issue was punted to the council’s Public Safety Committee for discussion and “recommendation to the council.”

In an answer to a question from the audience, Maike noted that even if a ban were passed and took effect, it could be rescinded in the future.

In other council business, the council held a hearing on a proposed $1.1 million, unfunded, six-year transportation improvement plan (TIP) that relies entirely upon grants. Two people spoke.

Henderson pointed out her street is in need of repair but was not on the six-year plan.

Art Kulibert, noting the reliance on grant funding in the TIP, suggested a city road tax be implemented to repair the city’s aging roads that “every year need more and more patching.”

Councilwoman Jessica Roberts asked that city staff look at Henderson’s street.

The hearing closed and the council voted unanimously to approve the six-year plan.

Roberts also reported that the recent citywide community clean up day cost the city approximately $3,000.

Fire Chief Jason Mayfield reported that a “fact sheet” related to the proposed annexation of Medical Lake Fire Department into Spokane County Fire District 3 was completed and was in distribution.

The council meets again on Tuesday, July 2 for a regularly scheduled meeting that is open to the public.

Lee Hughes can be reached at lee@cheneyfreepress.com.