FM ordinance coming for fireworks

FORT MADISON –  An ordinance will be forthcoming from Fort Madison City staff that will provide for the allowance of fireworks within the city on July 3rd-4th, and Dec. 31st.
The ordinance is required to follow a new state law that was signed last week by Gov. Kim Reynolds that bigfoots city regulations on the use of fireworks within city limits.
Currently, the city does not allow first or second class fireworks within the city without a permit, according to City Code 7-12-3.
That code section reads in its entirety – “It shall be unlawful for any person to use or explode any first or second class fireworks within the corporate limits of the city, unless granted a permit approved by the Fire Chief for a public display.”
City Manager Laura Liegois said conversations around the state mandating the allowance of fireworks on those three days had been ongoing for the past several months.
“Staff thought this passed through like a month ago and we come to find out last week after we set this public hearing that the Iowa House of Representatives passed it forward for the governor to sign,” she said. “It has been signed this week, but we have no ordinance prepared to present to you for approval.”
Fort Madison Fire Chief Chad Hannum said the purpose of a change to city code is to align with the new legislation, which was Senate File 303.
"The key changes are permitted uses that state we cannot prohibit on July 3rd -4th, and Dec. 31st,” he said.
“We will have a resolution at the end that will handle penalties, fees, and inspections or anything like that.”

Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld announced Tuesday night that he will not be seeking re-election to the post this fall.
Mohrfeld served three terms as the city’s mayor and said six years is enough. He also said there should be limits on the amount of time someone can hold public office.
Mohrfeld said he was proud of the work that had been done over the past six years and wanted to let the council and public know early so other candidates can surface for the position.
In other action, the council:
• approved a special events permit and waived fees for the Charlie Korschgen Fourth of July Kiddie Parade.
• approved a 3-year lease agreement with Fort Madison Rodeo Corporation for use of property at Fort Madison Municipal Airport.
• approved the construction of a Tiny Home by 2x4s for Hope at 21 Storms Court.
• approved an application of Virnig Manufacturing to the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s High Quality Jobs Program.
• approved an installation of a statue in Old Settlers Park that is being donated by the family of Rosie Wilkerson.