DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
Minutes
June 14, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:03 a.m. Present were Council members John Walz, John Leiker, Jolene Niernberger, Terry Redetzke and Steve Ferland. Also present were City Clerk Amy Burton, Fire Chief Denis Vine and Police Chief Taft Yates. Council member Loran Gottschalk was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC PRESENT
Dustin Mattheyer
General Government: City Code
Mayor Johnston noted that the purpose of the Special Meeting was to discuss the consideration of sale and/or discharge of fireworks within the City of Ellis.
Councilmember John Walz began discussion by informing Council of the decision made by other surrounding counties on whether or not to allow the discharge of fireworks.
Mayor Johnston questioned if it was a conflict to allow fireworks while the City is currently in Stage 3 watering restrictions.
Fire Chief Denis Vine noted that it is not realistic to predict the weather conditions three weeks from now. His recommendation is to not allow fireworks but if conditions improve, then to revisit closer to July 4th.
Councilmember John Leiker moved to adopt Resolution No. 494 making it unlawful for any person to discharge fireworks inside the City of Ellis. Councilmember Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Upon a call from the Mayor for further discussion, Councilmember Walz noted that the Council should readdress the Resolution if the City would receive significant rain. Chief Vine noted that a compromise allowing only ground fireworks and banning the aerial fireworks might be a possibility. Police Chief Taft Yates asked the Council to please publish the decision in the official newspapers and other places around town to help inform the public. Upon a call for a vote, the motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Steve Ferland moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 a.m.