Rockets Red Glare-Meoow!

Image by Bjørnli Foto via Flickr

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 5th

Official fireworks aside, not everybody was delighted with the individual displays of fireworks around the lake before and after the "big show".  Discussion about the city's largest demonstration of civil disobedience was ignited by a comment/complaint from the audience regarding a neighbor who was blowing stuff up, including "M80's" and assorted aerials to at least 11:30 PM on the 4th.  When asked if she had reported said neighbor to the Police, she answered no, she "didn't want to cause a problem".  (Interesting...apparently it ticked her off enough to come to the BOA...but not call it in to the cops?).  Discussion ensued.  Chief Gary said that getting citizens to comply with the current ordinance regarding banned fireworks was like "herding cats".  He had an officer on each side of the lake, as well as one (Mike O'Neill) in the WLIC patrol boat on the lake...and himself. The challenge to enforcement is the requirement to catch the individual in the act of blowing said contraband up...a change to the city ordinance to be able to cite the homeowner, rather than the individual would assist in enforcement...so says the Chief.  Alderman Finn endorses the idea...seems like there is a consensus on the BOA.  Question from the audience...does that mean violators in a WLIC access area would cause the WLIC to be dinged?  Although there was some sentiment thinking no...City Attorney John thought to the contrary, believing it could be possible for WLIC to get a citation if bottle rockets were shot off at C- Point...yipes!
Look for a change to the ordinance, as John took notes during the discussion.  A tradition that stretches for decades might soon come to an end.  The City Attorney is going to be one busy guy as the BOA suddenly becomes active in keeping you safe...next up...the Tree Nazi.