Community Government

Gig Harbor Council considering fireworks ban to take effect in 2023

Posted on June 17th, 2022 By:

The Gig Harbor City Council will decide on June 27 whether to permanently ban fireworks, starting next year.

The council held a public hearing Monday on the ordinance, which would prohibit the sale and discharge of fireworks within city limits. If the council approves it, the ban would take effect in July 2023.

City Fire Marshall and Building Official Paul Rice said only sparklers and cap gun caps would be allowed.

More than 115 people have spoken or written to the council to support the ban. However, several people registered opposition during Monday’s meeting.

Among them were Randy Cearly, who works for a fireworks company, and Katrina Dohn, who said has sold fireworks as a fundraiser for many years.

Many supporters of the ban spoke about the potential for injury or fire from fireworks. Others expressed concern for pets, wildlife and people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

This year, fireworks can be sold within the city limits from June 28 to July 5. They can be discharged only from 9 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. July 4.

New penalty for overstays at Jerisich Dock

The council closed a loophole in the moorage regulations for Jerisich Dock.

The council established penalties for boaters who exceed the three-night maximum stay. Boaters who stay more than three nights in any 10-day period without authorization will be assessed a $100 per day fine.

Council endorses fire bond

The council unanimously approved a resolution in support of a Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One bond issue that will be on the Aug. 2 ballot.

The 20-year, $80 million bond will cover upgrades and health and safety improvements at several local stations, according to GHFMO Chief Dennis Doan.

For the owner of a $500,000 home, the bond would cost about $9.90 per month, or $118 per year.

Bond proceeds would be used to build a training facility, replace Station 51 in Gig Harbor and renovate stations 53 (Fox Island), 57 (Crescent Valley), 58 (Swede Hill) and 59 (Artondale).