65A - OPTIONS FOR FIREWORKS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Options for the Use and Sale of Safe and Sane Fire Fireworks April 5, 2016 Page 3 The City expects financial costs to remain relatively similar, except for an approximated Fireworks Disposal fee of $75,000. In the past, the State of California Fire Marshall has taken all fireworks for disposal, at no cost to local jurisdictions; however in 2016, the Fire Marshal through the State fire agency CalFire, will no longer dispose of confiscated fireworks. Disposal subsequently falls on the County and these items slated for destruction are now categorized as toxic waste. Thus, fees for the proper disposal of confiscated fireworks will be passed on to the confiscating jurisdiction. In 2015, The Police Department estimated expenses associated with fireworks enforcement to be approximately $113,590. In 2016 staff anticipates an additional cost of $75,000 for the Fireworks Disposal Fee, which is based on firework volume seizures in 2015. Total anticipated cost for 2016 will be $188,590 (see Table A). Costs should remain consistent over time but may increase to meet public safety needs. Table A No Policy Change — Fireworks Remain Legal Estimated Expenses Associated with Fireworks Fireworks Enforcement $62,288 Pre-Holiday Preparation $32,864 Management Costs $8,214 Public Service Announcement $3,788 Flyers (4,n of July Laws and Safety) $3,916 Other Costs $2,520 Disposal of Illegal Fireworks $75,000 Total Estimated Costs $188,590 Option 2: Ban the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks within the city limits effective 2016 The Council can choose to ban fireworks completely in 2016 by adopting an urgency ordinance. Currently, it is anticipated that numerous non - profits have contracts with Fireworks vendors and these contracts were made under the assumption that Fireworks would continue to be allowed within the City and the permitted non - profits from last year have an automatic renewal of their permit if they continue to meet all of the code requirements and complete their application by May 1, 2016. Staff recommends increased funding be set aside for a concerted public outreach education component beginning immediately after the municipal code is revised to ban fireworks in 2016. Police Department and OCFA anticipate receiving similar call volumes in 2016, as seen in 2015 with calls decreasing in 2017 and forward. Anticipated costs associated with this outreach are outlined below. Staff does not foresee that costs will change in 2016, with the 65A -3