City Code Sections 14-403 and 14-405 authorize the City Council to approve a resolution assessing inspection fees and requiring liability insurance as part of the City's fireworks display permitting process. City Council  Resolution 92-16534 established inspection fees and liability insurance requirements pursuant to these City code sections and has been in effect for over twenty years.  The Fire Marshal, Fire Chief and City Attorney have consulted about needed amendments to the current Resolution. The proposed amended Resolution increases the  inspection fee from $50.00 to $100.00 and increases the required liability insurance coverage from $500,000 to$1,500,000 per occurrence. The higher permit fee is intended to cover time involved for the Fire Prevention Bureau to review the permit application, do a site visit, inspect the proposed fireworks displays and otherwise consult as needed with the fireworks display applicant. The higher amount of insurance has been a requirement for several years in most city contracts and special events that use City property.

 The Council may:
1. Approve the amended Resolution; or
2. Disapprove the amended resolution and retain the current fee and liability insurance amounts.

The increase in the permit fee will more accurately compensate the City for its time in performing fireworks display inspection and review services. The increase in the required liability insurance will have no financial impact to the City but will help to shield the City from financial responsibility in the event of a mishap and third party damages or injuries.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve an amended Resolution that increases the fireworks display permit application fee and increases the liability insurance coverage requirement.  The Resolution has an immediate effective date.