Councilman: How much time for fireworks?

One McCook City Councilman wondered whether a whole hour is needed on New Year's Eve for city residents to shoot off fireworks.

The McCook City Council approved on final reading at its regular meeting Monday a city ordinance that clarified that fireworks are allowed in the city until 5 p.m. on July 5.

Other times fireworks are allowed to be discharged in the city are on July 4 and one week prior, one hour on New Year's Eve, from 11 p.m., Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 and by special permit for other occasions, such as weddings or community events.

Councilman Jerry Calvin questioned if a that much time is actually needed. "Fifteen or 20 minutes is plenty in my book," he said, adding that the noise may upset citizens or cause extra trouble for dispatchers fielding calls from irate citizens.

Councilman Aaron Kircher and City Manager Kurt Fritsch said the hour-long exception on New Year's Eve was included in the ordinance as people didn't start to celebrate until midnight and the hour gave people enough time to ring in the New Year without being in violation of city ordinance.

"Some people really love their New Year's Eve," Kircher explained.

McCook City Fire Chief Marc Harpham said city staff annually reviews the times that fireworks are allowed and could adjust those times if the city gets lots of complaints.

McCook City Police Chief said he wasn't aware of a large amount of complaints on New Year's Eve, but calls about fireworks usually depended on how long and how loud the explosions are.

In another regular agenda item, the council unanimously approved taking over Terry Jessen's interest in the Romanoff building for $9,372.08

The vacant, half-block building, at the intersection of Norris Avenue and B Street, is slated for demolition using federal neighborhood stabilization funds the city has been awarded.

Before the city can tear down the building, it will have to pay off Jessens' first lien against the property.

After the regular council meeting, the council convened in closed executive session to discuss pending litigation concerning Jessen's property at 301 E. Second.