Petaluma council to seek fireworks compromise

Petaluma City Council members decided late Monday to work with the fireworks industry to find a compromise to an outright ban on personal pyrotechnics.

Mayor Pam Torliatt had sought to put a measure on the November ballot banning all fireworks, including the state-approved "safe and sane" variety.

But only one other council member, Teresa Barrett, joined with her in supporting that effort, which could cost the city as much as $14,000.

None of the seven supported a second option, a city ordinance banning fireworks, believing it would spark a costly legal fight with the powerful industry and hurt nonprofit groups who sell fireworks.

A five-member majority supported modifying the city's existing ordinance to reduce the number of days fireworks can be sold and used and increasing fines for violators.

The compromise was proposed by Dennis Revell, a fireworks industry spokesman, who also said he spoke for 16 of the city's nonprofits that sell fireworks.

Nonprofit groups say they can make as much as $15,000 a year selling items that spark, glow and flash, but don't explode or fly through the air.

But others have sought to ban them, saying they are a noisy fire hazard.

There hasn't been a significant fireworks-related fire since 1996, Fire Marshal Michael Ginn said, and two serious injuries in the past six years.

Staff members will research possible changes to the ordinance and discuss them with nonprofit representatives before returning to the council for a possible vote.

Councilman Mike O'Brien suggested the city explore a five-year phase-out so nonprofits can find other funding sources.

Petaluma, Cloverdale, Sebastopol and Rohnert Park are the only areas in Sonoma County where the sale or use of home fireworks is allowed.