Medical Lake considers fireworks ban

MEDICAL LAKE – Fireworks and junk cars topped the recent City Council agenda, with people on both sides of the issue weighing in on a possible fireworks ban and leaders getting an update on the removal of 26 abandonded vehicles from city limits.

Longtime fireworks stand operator Dennis Snyder, who won approval to operate his stands again this year at Denny’s Harvest Foods, E. 215 SR 902, and at the Medical Lake Car Wash, E. 625 SR 902, took the opportunity to speak to the council during the public comment section of the June 3 meeting.

“I’ve lived out in the Medical Lake community for years, myself, and I love the area,” he said.

He said he began the fireworks stand to help support the West Plains Community Association when they were fighting the proposed landfill. The landfill was approved anyway, Snyder said, but the association was able to air its concerns

Since then, he said he’s donated some of his fireworks sale proceeds toward a music system in the wrestling room of Medical Lake High School and for the city’s skate park. This year, Snyder plans to donate some proceeds to the high school’s Future Farmers of America program.

He said he understands the impact fireworks have on the neighborhoods and hopes that people will clean up after themselves and follow the rules.

“I’ve always tried to encourage safety,” he said.

The council also heard an opposing view from Joyce Callaway.

“I hope it’s resolved,” she said, “that we don’t have them.”

Fireworks are allowed within the city, but with restrictions. They can be purchased only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. starting July 1, and can’t be sold after 8 p.m. July 4. They can’t be discharged on any city-owned property, including parking lots, buildings or public parks. They can only be used between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4.

The city is sending out surveys to find out whether citizens would like to continue the tradition of legal fireworks within Medical Lake. The surveys will be included with utility bills and may either be mailed back to City Hall, or placed in a special drop box in the post office.

If the citizens wish to ban fireworks, the ordinance must be in place for a year before it will go into effect July 4, 2009.

The council also heard an update from Don Mayfield, the city’s new code enforcement officer.

Mayfield has been on the job for three weeks, going door to door and talking to folks mostly about abandoned vehicles on their property.

He said that 26 vehicles have been removed by the owners so far.

“It’s very obvious already,” said Councilwoman Shirley Maike.

City Administrator Doug Ross said that it’s important to note that Mayfield will be addressing 11 nuisances, including filthy, littered or trash-covered yards; foul or malodorous privies, sumps, cesspools not protected from rats or flies; any unsightly building, billboard or other structure or any old abandoned or partially destroyed buildings.

“Tacky isn’t necessarily a code violation,” Ross said.

In coming months, Mayfield will be on the lookout for anyone irrigating their property during the hours when irrigation is restricted.

“The feedback I’ve got has been really positive,” said Mayor John Higgins.

In other business, the council approved special event permits for Founder’s Day which will be held July 21 and 22, and an agreement between the City of Medical Lake and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees Local 270-MP.

The council will meet only once during the summer, on July 15. The next regular council meeting is Wednesday.