Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 4237-A, Amending Chapter 54, Offenses And Miscellaneous Provisions, Amending Article IV, Offenses Against Public Peace, Amending Division 2, Firearms And Deadly Weapons, Adding Section 54-218, Unlawful Discharge Of Fireworks Prohibited; Providing For Codification, Repealer, Severability And Declaring An Emergency. (Deputy Mayor Derrick Reed and Councilor Melody Cranford)
BACKGROUND:
On July 10, 2023, City Council directed staff to propose amendments to the City of Muskogee Code of Ordinances regarding the discharging of fireworks within City ordinances. This direction was given following the events of July 3rd and 4th of 2023, where the City of Muskogee Police Department and Fire Department responded to a number of calls regarding fireworks and injuries to persons or property. Different proposals have been presented to the council but no conclusions were reached on amendments. During the past week, individuals in Muskogee have used fireworks as weapons against persons and dwellings, thus creating an emergency situation that threatens the health, safety and welfare of citizens. The proposed ordinance will allow a person to be prosecuted for violating the provisions under City of Muskogee Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Business Regulations, Article IV, Fireworks, by describing and prohibiting the unlawful discharge of fireworks within the municipal boundaries and making the penalty for such unlawful discharge a misdemeanor. This proposed ordinance amendment also needs to be declared as an emergency so it can be enacted immediately for the protection of citizens.