Local fireworks launching opportunities to be reduced

The City of Wayland is likely to agree with the State Legislature in reducing the number of days fireworks can be set off during the year.

City Manager Josh Eggleston offered to draw up a new ordinance that decreases the number of days for fireworks from 30 to a dozen or 13, in accordance with a new law passed in Lansing.

In days gone by, revelers could set off fireworks on the day before, the day of and day after recognized holidays, but the Legislature, under public pressure of complaints, agreed to reduce the number.

“You can be less restrictive than state law, but you cannot be more restrictive,” Eggleston told City Council members Monday night. “I recommend that we come up with an ordinance that matches up with state law.”

The move comes just before the busy season for fireworks, which includes Independence Day July 4.

In other business at Monday evening’s meeting, the council:

• Heard from new Police Chief Mark Garnsey that the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department has developed a couple of suspects in the bomb threat last Friday afternoon at Hopkins Middle School.
• Postponed for further clarification arequest from Open Road Brewery for a temporary outdoor service permits for a beer tent along the west side of Main Street downtown.
• Adopted an ordinance that permits larger accessory buildings, with an amendment that increases maximum allowable height to 18 feet.