Fireworks, hydroelectric power on Fulton city council agenda

Fulton City Hall is located at 18 E. Fourth Ave.
Fulton City Hall is located at 18 E. Fourth Ave.

Fulton City Council will continue discussion about how to deal with the annual "fireworks war" during Tuesday's meeting.

The meeting will begin with a work session on that topic at 6:30 at Fulton City Hall (18 E. 4th St.). The regular session begins at 7 p.m. Both are open to the public and will be livestreamed at fultonmo.org and on the city's YouTube channel for those unable to attend.

Fireworks

During two recent Fulton City Council meetings, two Fulton residents brought concerns about the Independence Day "fireworks war" tradition that lights up Carver Park each year.

Both residents live near Carver Park and said they fear for their property's safety and the safety of participants and bystanders. Charles Williams and Richard Skelton requested the city council "do something." Williams suggested the city ban the sale of certain types or all fireworks within city limits and ban the setting off of fireworks within city limits. City council members agreed to look into the issue.

However, Fulton Police Department's Major Roger Rice said, putting out the firework wars might take more than new ordinances. With 50-75 individuals participating, the three or so officers on duty each year have never successfully stopped a fireworks war in process - even though participants frequently break Fulton's ordinances regarding fireworks.

"You can make all the laws you want to, but making laws and enforcing them are two totally separate things," Rice said.

The council will continue to discuss potential solutions during the work session and the regular meeting. Tuesday's board packet contains a copy of Fulton's ordinances addressing the sale and discharge of fireworks, Sec. 78-112, which can be viewed at library.municode.com/mo/fulton.

Other business

Fireworks are far from the only thing on the agenda.

Nicki Fuller, executive director of Southwestern Power Resources Association, will present to the city about hydroelectric power. SPRA is a voluntary organization of consumer-owned electric systems located in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Council members will hear an update on Fulton's Smart Grid - the 5,000-plus smart meters installed at residential and commercial locations within city limits.

They'll also discuss the CARES Act utility reimbursement program. Callaway County set aside $500,000 of the $5.2 million it received in federal CARES funds to provide utility assistance for Callaway County residents. The program is being administered by Central Missouri Community Action.

Any household adversely affected by COVID-19 with an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level can apply for assistance paying electric, water, sewer, gas, trash or internet arrears incurred between March 1 and June 30. According to CMCA, more than $50,000 in funds went out through the program in July.

Council members will also conduct first readings on two ordinances:

Bill 1585, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to approve Plat Four for the Willow Creek Subdivision, a neighborhood currently being built on a triangle of land between Collier Lane and Tennyson Road, southeast of Business 54.

Bill 1586: An ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign documents relating to a land lease agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, pertaining to a communications facility to be located at 804B Morningside Drive.