HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/2004 B A K E R S F I E L D
Sue Benham, Chair
David CoUch
Jacquie Sullivan
Staff: Trudy Slater
REGULAR MEETING NOTICE
LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE
of the City Council - City of Bakersfield
Monday, September 20, 2004
1:00 .p.m.
City Manager's Conference Room
Second Floor - City Hall, Suite 201
1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. ADOPT AUGUST 23, 2004 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
4. DEFERRED BUSINESS
A. REVIEW, DISCUSSION AND COMMI'I'I'EE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO
CHANGES IN THE CITY'S FIREWORKS LO'R'ERY PROCEDURES/ORDINANCE
5. COMMI'I-I'EE COMMENTS
6. ADJOURNMENT
DRAFT
B A K E R S F I E L D
Alan Tandy, C~ty Manager Sue Benham, Chair
Staff: Trudy Slater David.Couch
Jacquie Sullivan
AGENDA SUMMARY 'REPORT
LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
Monday, August 23, 2004
1:00 p.m.
. City Manager's Conference-Room
1. ROLL CALL
Called to order at 1:07 p.m.
Members present: Councilmember Sue Benham, Chair
Councilmember David CouCh
Councilmember Jacquie Sullivan
2. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL--EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION
SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (b)(1)
OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9: ONE (1) POTENTIAL CASE
No reportable action taken.
B. CONFERENCE WITH.LEGAL COUNSEL--EXISTING LITIGATION
CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (a) OF GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54956.9:
· JACOBSON V. HERMAN, UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CASE
NO. CF-F-02-5973-DLB
· NORTH KERN V. KERN DELTA, TULARE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
CASE NO. 96-172919
· BFLO V. COB, USDC CASE NO. ClV:F-03-5645 REC TAG
No reportable action taken.
3. ADOPT JULY 12, 2004 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
Adopted as submitted.
Agenda Summary Report
Legislative and Litigation Committee
DRAFT
Page 2
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. REVIEW, DISCUSSION 'AND COMMrrrEE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO AN
ORDINANCE REQUIRING UTILITY COMPANIES TO-MAINTAIN THEIR JUNCTION BOXES
City Attorney Virginia Gennaro explained the City's current-policy is to remove graffiti from utility
company junction boxes.without restitution for services provided. Ms. Gennaro indicated it was felt
that property owners shouldn't 'be assessed cost recovery fees for graffiti removal when they had.
already been damaged by graffiti vandals. City Manager Alan Tandy indicated the City would end
up spending more time in cost recovery analysis and reimbursement solicitations than it would cost
to simply remove the graffiti. Some utilities do Provide assistance to the City for these services.
Those who do not allow the City to clean the boxes are generally fairly quick in removing the graffiti
themselves.
Councilmember David Couch indicated he thought the cable companies should be asked to
participate in assisting the City in graffiti removal from their boxes. Councilmember Jacquie
Sullivan wanted residents to know the City is not backing off the graffiti issue.
After review, the Committee felt no further action was needed.
B. REVIEW, DISCUSSION AND COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING
ORDINANCE CHANGES RELATING TO SMOKING REGULATIONS IN ENCLOSED SPACES
City Attorney Gennaro explained the proposed City ordinance would tighten a loophole in state law
which allows different interpretations and concerns as to mixed uses such as tobacco and alcohol in
enclosed spaces.
Committee Chairperson Benham indicated she felt the proposed ordinance was overly broad and
would put an existing business out of existence. After discussion, staff was directed to look at
alternative proposals/ideas and bring back to the Committee for further discussion .in a couple of
months.
C, REVIEW, DISCUSSION AND COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO LEAGUE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE
Administrative Analyst Trudy Slater explained the-Legislative and Litigation Committee normally
recommends to Council a Voting Delegate and Alternate to the League Annual Meeting. The
Council-appointed Voting Delegate forwards the Council's directives relating to the League's
resolutions at the General Assembly business meeting at the annual conference. Upon the
Committee's request, Councilmember Jacquie Sullivan agreed to serve as Voting Delegate.
Councilmember Mark Salvaggio will be recommended as Alternate. Recommendations will be
presented to 'Council at its meeting of September 8.
Agenda Summary Report
Legislative and Litigation Committee D[~AFT
August 2:3, 2004.
Page 3
D. REVIEW, DISCUSSION AND COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO
PROPOSED LEAGUE RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Slater briefly discUssed the League's two proposed resolutions for the League Annual
Conference. A staff review of the first resolution, dealing with Bylaws changes, revealed nothing
that would be anegative to the City of .Bakersfield. The resolution had passed a Bylaws Committee
review, an Administrative Services Committee review, and had been approved by the League
Board for placing before the .League ~members. Staff recommendation was a position of support.
The Second resolution encourages cities to embrace policies that facilitate activities that promote
healthier lifestyles, including 'healthy diet and nutrition and adopt city design and planning principles
that enable .citizens to undertake exercise with the goal-of achieving a more active and 'healthy
community. Staff recommendation was a position of support.
After further discussion, the .Committee unanimously supported staff's positions of support. The
Committee,recommendations will-be forwarded to Council .for action at its meeting of September 8.
6. COMMI'R'EE COMMENTS
None.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
Staff Attendees: City Manager Alan Tandy, Administrative Analyst Trudy Slater; City Attorney Virginia
Gennaro; Assistant City Attorney Bob Sherfy; Deputy Fire. Chief Kirk Blair, Director of Prevention
Services Ralph Hue.y; Public Works Director Raul Rojas, General Services Superintendent Steve
Hollingsworth
Others Present: Tammy Brown, James Burger
MEMORANDUM
August 30, 2004
To: Alan Tandy, City Manager ~ '~
From: Gregory J. Klimko, Finance Director~/~
Subject: Fireworks
Councilman Salvaggio referred the item of multiple fireworks permits to the same o[ganization to
the Legislative and Litigation Committee. The committee forwarded an ordinance amending
section 8.44.030 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code to the City Council for first reading on March
10, 2004. The City Council delayed a second reading on March 24, 2004 and the item was
referred back to the Legislative and Litigation Committee by Councilwoman Benham. to review
broader issues.
Some areas for discussion include but are not limited to: A. Permit Application/Issuance (Finance, Planning & Risk Management)
B. Inspections (Building & Fire)
C. Enforcement (Fire & Police)
D. Cost Analysis (Finance)
Specific items within the areas mentioned above include: A. Period of fireworks sale
B. Number of permits City wide
C. Number of permits per organization
D. Grandfathered organizations
E. Non profit and/or profit organizations
F. Education
G. Enforcement
H. City fees.
Currently, Municipal Code chapter 8.44 includes the following provision; the period of sale is
between twelve noon on July Ist tO twelve noon on July 5th. The total number of permits is set at
one per 4,000 population or portion thereof plus permits issued by Kern County the previous year
and subsequently annexed to the City. During the 2004 fireworks season there were a maximum
of 67 permits based on a 266,784 population estimate as of January I, 2003 provided by the State
in May 2003 (266,784/4,000 = 67). While 162 applications were received the 67 eligible were
determined via the grandfathering provisions (39) and by drawing (28). Subsequent to the
drawing 64 total permits were issued.
Currently qualifying organizations may apply for and receive more than one permit with certain
limitations. An organization may qualify for one or more permits under.grandfathering and may
qualify under another group within the same primary organization for additional permits. An
organization is usually deemed qualified if it was issued a permit for the 1994 season
1
S:\KimG\Grcgory\Mcmo - ATFircworks.doc
To: Alan Tandy, City Manager
Subject~ Fireworks
[grandfathered for profit (3) and non profit (36)] and each subsequent year or a non profit
organization or corporation organized and existing primarily for Veteran, patriotic, religious,
welfare, charitable or civiCbetterment purposes with a membership of at least thirty-five (35)
members. One organization made fourteen (14) applications under various subgroups in 2004.
Organizations are not currently required to provide education materials on the proper use of
fireworks. Enforcement of the municipal code fall under the City Treasurer, Planning and Risk
Management divisions for applications, the Building and Fire departments for inspection and the
Fire and Police departments to handle complaints. The current $101 permit fee was established in
1992 to cover the City Treasurer, Building, Planning and Fire departments costs incurred. This
was prior to the 1994 ordinance changes. The applicants are also required to obtain a $40
electrical permit.
The availability of legal fireworks is contingent upon the period of sale and the number of
locations. I do not have any recommendations regarding the period of sale however I recommend
the number of permits be permanently limited to seventy (70) or some smaller number. The
January 1, 2004 state population estimate was 279,672. Under the existing standard of 1 permit
per 4,000 population 70 would be the maximum. Another alternative would be to set a different
standard (i.e. 1 per 5,000). An additional alternative is to hold a drawing to determine the permit
holders for more than one year (2 or 3 years) and recalculate the maximum number of permits,
based on population, on the same cycle.
I further recommend the following:
A. The grandfathering of permit holders prior to 1994 be deleted.
B. All permit applicants must be non profit organizations in order to participate in
the drawing for permits.
C. The number of applications submitted by each organization be limited to one
(This means one per school, religious or other non profit organization within
the City).
D. Require that organizations must provide direct and regular community services to the
citizens of Bakersfield to qualify for a permit.
E. The number of members be increased from 35 to 50, or some larger number.
F. Consideration be given to require the distribution of educational materials with the
fireworks.
G. Consideration be given to the level of enforcement by the Police and Fire
departments.
H. City Council determine the percentage of actual cost incurred to be recovered by fees
for application, inspections and enforcement under the City's cost recovery system
for future years and the fees for the 2005 Fireworks permits are recommended to be:
1. Application Fee $ 40.
2. Inspection Fee $140.
3. Enforcement Fee - Dependant on level of enforcement.
2
S:\KimG\GregoryX34emo - ATFireworks.do¢
To: Alan Tandy, City Manager
Subject: Fireworks
I recognize that the issue of fireworks to celebrate the fourth of July is an emotional issue. That
many organizations and subgroups within organizations rely on fireworks proceeds to keep their
organizations viable. However, the cost to administer the fireworks permitting process has
become not only time consuming but administratively cumbersome. Generally, I am
recommending leveling the playing field, limiting the number of total permits and restricting each
primary non profit organization to one chance in the drawing.
The City Fire Chief advises that over 300 California cities (60% of the state) have taken proper
steps to ban the sale and use of any fireworks within their jurisdiction. It is his recommendation
the City of Bakersfield work with the County of Kern to do the same within the metropolitan
area.
Attachments: 1. Listing of the 2004 Fireworks permit applicants.
2. Memorandum dated March 18, 2004 from the City Treasurer's Office.
3
S:\KimG\Gregory\Memo - ATFireworks.doc
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
FIREWORKS 2004
RECEIPT
NUMBER GROUP
PERMANENT GROUPS
1 DOWNTOWN OPTIMIST CLUB OF BAKERSFIELD
2 SONRISE CHURCH OF GOD
3 EAST BAKERSFIELD LIONS CLUB
A 4 BELIEVERS IN JESUS MISSION
5 KIWANIS CLUB OF KERN
6 SOUTH HIGH BANK BOOSTERS
B 7 . TEEN CHALLENGE MENS GROUP
B 8 TEEN CHALLENGE WOMEN
9 BETHEL ACADEMY
10 CORNERSTONE CHURCH
A' 11 BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHURCH
i2 GREAT BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
13 KERN COUNTY SOCCER CLUB
C 14 BHS FRIENDS OF FINE ARTS
15 BAKERSFIELD PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
16 CHRISTIAN MEN FELLOWSHIP
* 17 MARK M DICKERSON
* 18 BUD'S BRAKE AND WHEEL
D 19 CANYON HILLS YOUTH
D 20 CANYON HILLS ROYAL RANGERS
21 SAN JOAQUIN SPORTS DIVERS
22 FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD YOUTH
23 RIDGEVIEW FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER
24 SOUTH HIGH ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
25 COYOTE CLUB
26 YOUTH CORPS
27 AMERICAN LEGION POST #26
C 28 B H S ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
29 ST JOHNS LUTHERAN
30 CHESTER AVE BAPTIST CHURCH
31 WEST HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTERS CLUB
32 BAKERSFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH
33 KERN UNITED SOCCER
34 POLICE EXPLORER POST #521
35 PT LOMA COLLEGE WOMANS AUXILARY
* 36 VERNON STRONG
37 OASIS CHRISTIAN CENTER
38 WESTBROOK CHAPEL
39 SONGS OF THE CROSS
* = For Profit
1 OF4
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
FIREWORKS 2004
RECEIPT
_NUMBER GROUP
GROUPS
I 107 IGLESIA DE DIOS PENTECOSTAL MI
2 108~ GODS COVENANT CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
3 E 109 MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION
4 E 110 MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION - ADOPT
5 111 DISQUALIFIED - BAKERSFIELD SOCCER CLUB COUNTY
6 F 112 BRIMHALL ROAD ASSEMBLY OF GOD - YOUTH
7 F 113 BRIMHALL ROAD ASSEMBLY OF GOD - MISSIONS
8 G 114 OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH - YOUNG COUPLES
9 G 1 t5 OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH - XTREME HSM
10 G 116 OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH - JR HIGH MINISTRY
11 G 117 OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH - PURPOSE GROUP 1
12 G 118 OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH - EVENT COMMI3-rEE
13 G 119 OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH - PRAISE TEAMS
14 G 120 OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH - PURPOSE GROUP 2'
'15 G 121 OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH - USHERS & GREETERS
16 122 DISQUALIFIED - K C BULLETTS COUNTY
17 123 'BAKERSFIELD SOUTHWEST BASEBALL
18 124 DISQUALIFIED - ROSEDALE N ELEM. - COUNTY
19 125 TEEN COURT OF KERN CO
20 H 543401 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS - HOMEFOOD COMMITTEE
21 H 543402 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS - FIREWORKS STAND
22 H 543403 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS - CHRISTMAS PARTY
23 H 543404 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS -AWARDS BANQUET
24 H 543405 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS - HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
25 ~1 543406 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS - AWAY FOOD COMMITTEE
26 543407 HIGHER GROUND CHURCH
27 I 543408 BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BAKERSFIELD
28 I 543409 BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BAKERSFIELD - SATLELITE I
29 J 543410 VB F MISSIONETTE MINISTRY
30 J 543411 V B F SUMMER IN THE SON
31 J 543412 V B F LIGHTBEARERS MINISTRY
32 J 543413 V B F PRESCHOOL'MINISTRY
33 J 543414 V B F SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY
34 J 543415 V B F ROYAL RANGERS
35 J 543416 V B F MINISTRY
36 543417 SERVICE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
37 543418 KERN COUNTY SCOTISH SOCIETY
38 543419 KERN COUNTY SHRINE CLUB
39 K 543420 VICTORY OUTREACH EB - YOUTH MINISTRY
40 K 543421 VICTORY OUTREACH EB - TRUSTEE-MINISTRY
41 K 543422 VICTORY OUTREACH EB - CHILDRENS MINISTRY
42 K 543423 VICTORY OUTREACH EB - WORSHIP MINISTRY
43 543424 RIDGEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC BOOSTER CLUB
44 543425 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
45 543426 GOLDEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB
46 543427 COMMUNITY FAMILY CENTER
2OF4
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
FIREWORKS 2004
RECEIPT
NUMBER GROUP
47 L 543428 PRAISE TABERNACLE - MENS MINISTRY
48 L 543429 PRAISE TABERNACLE - CHURCH
49 L 543430 PRAISE TABERNACLE - WOMENS MINISTRY
50 L 543431 PRAISE TABERNACLE - YOUTH MINISTRY
51 M 325432 VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
52 M 543433 VALLEY BAPTIST' CHURCH - SUNDAY SCHOOL
53 M 543434 VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH - CHILDREN CHOIR
54 M 543435 VALLEYBAPTIST CHURCH - AWANA
55 N 543436 NEW LIFE CENTER - YOUTH
56 N 543437 NEW LIFE CENTER - WOMEN
57 N 543438 NEW LIFE CENTER - MEN
58 N 543439 NEW LIFE CENTER - MISSIONS
59 N 543440 NEW LIFE CENTER - ELDERS
60 N 54,3441 NEW LIFE CENTER - DRAMA
61 N 543442 NEW LIFE CENTER - CHILDREN
62 543443 GOLDEN EMPIRE YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL - MUSTANG
63 O 543444 HISPANIC SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH - CHOIR
64 O 543445 HISPANIC SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
65 O 543446 HISPANIC SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH - PRO ED.
66 P 543447 OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH
67 543448 CHARLES CHOPS ELKS 'LODGE #325
68 543449 EMMANUEL TEMPLE CHURCH
69 543450 ROSEDALE COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP
70 543451 DISQUALIFIED - BAK GIRLS SOCCER COUNTY
71 543452 AMERICAN ACADEMY OF GYMNASTICS - BOOSTER
72 P 543453 OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL
73 Q 543454 HERITAGE BIBLE CHURCH - BOYS 'MINISTRY
74 Q 543455 HERITAGE BIBLE CHURCH - JR HIGH MINISTRY
75 Q 543456 HERITAGE BIBLE CHURCH - COLLEGE MINISTRY
76 Q 543457 HERITAGE BIBLE CHURCH - MENS MINISTRY
77 Q 543458 HERITAGE BIBLE CHURCH - WOMENS MINISTRY
78 Q 543459 HERITAGE BIBLE CHURCH - GIRLS MINISTRY
79 Q 543460 HERITAGE BIBLE CHURCH - HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY
80 543461 WORLD OF PENTECOST
8t R 543462 GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD - MISSIONETTS
82 R 543463 GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD - ROYAL RANGERS
83 r 543464 GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD - YOUTH MINISTRY
84 S 543465 DISQUALIFIED - BRIDGE CHURCH NOT ONE yEAR
85 S 543466 DISQUALIFIED - BRIDGE CHURCH NOT ONE YEAR
86 S 543467 DISQUALIFIED - BRIDGE CHURCH NOT ONE YEAR
87 S 543468 DISQUALIFIED - BRIDGE CHURCH NOT ONE YEAR.
88 S 543469 DISQUALIFIED - BRIDGE CHURCH NOT ONE YEAR
89 543470 CANYON HILLS SENIOR HOUSING
90 543471 CONVENANT FOUNDATION
91 543472 BAKERSFIELD APOSTOLIC FAITH CENTER
92 543473 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLE - NIGHT VISION
93 543474 SIGMA ALPHA ASSOCIATION
3OF4
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
FIREWORKS 2004
RECEIPT
_NUMBER GROUP
94 T 543475 THE GARDEN PATHWAYS - PERFORMING ARTS
95 ' T 543476 THE GARDEN PATHWAYS - BROADWAy BOUND .
96 543477 BAKERSFIELD GUNNERS SOCCER
97 U 543478 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY - NURSING
98 V 543479 ST PHILIPS - RCIA
99 V 543480 ST PHILIPS - ERE
100 V 543481 ST PHILIPS - 5TH GRADE ERE
101 V 543482 ST PHILIPS - HEALTH CURE
102 V 543483 ST PHILIPS - PRAYER LINE
103 V 543484 ST PHILIPS - SUNDAY SCHOOL
104 V 543485 ST'PHILIPS - 6TH GRADE
105 V 543486 ST PHILIPS - 7TH GRADE
106 V 543487 ST PHILIPS - 8TH GRADE
107 V 543488 ST PHILIPS - PRESCHOOL
108 V 543489 ST PHILIPS - 9TH GRADE
109 V 543490 ST PHILIPS - CONF, I
110 V 543491 ST PHILIPS - CONF. 2
111 V 543492 ST PHILIPS 'CHURCH
112 W 543493 WORLD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP- YOUTH MINISTRY
113 W 543494 WORLD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP- SUNDAY SCHOOL
114 W 543495 WORLD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP. MISSION DEPT
115 W 543496 WORLD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP- WOMENS MINISTRY
116 W 543497 WORLD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP- MUSIC MINISTRY
117 W 543498 WORLD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP- MENS MINISTRY
118 W 543499 WORLD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP - CHURCH
119 W 543500 WORLD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP- CHILDRENS MINISTRY
120 543501 REBEL WRESTLING CLUB
121 543502 LIBERTY 'PATS
122 U 543503 CSUB - KAPPA ALPHA ORDER
123 543504 - DRESS FOR SUCCESS BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Cheryl Perkins, City Treasurer (Acting)
DATE: March 18, 2004
SUBJECT: Council Referral Fireworks Ordinance
At the March 10, 2004 meeting of the City Council, Councilmember Maggard
requested staff.to provide a list of all fireworks booth permit holders including the
grandfatheredpermit holders, identifying which ones are charitable and which are for-
profit; the pros and cons of eliminating the grandfathered status; and information
indicating how the fees for fireworks booths permits were calculated.
Prior to the 1995 fireworks season, fireworks booth permits were limited to a total of
fit~y permits and included both for-profit and non-profit organizations. It was
determined a formula of one. permit per 4,000 population, or portion thereof, with a
minimum of fifty, would be an equitable method-for the issuance of permits and
would accommodate City growth.
Issuance of permits to new applicants from the formula method would be determined
by a lottery system (draw). Any person issued a permit in 1994 and also in each
subsequent year would be allowed a permit without going into the draw. It was also
this ordinance change that required any new applicants to be non-profit organizations.
By "grandfathering" in groups that had always been given a permit in the year prior to
the. change, several for-profit organizations were allowed to receive a permit that they
would no longer be able to obtain under the new ordinance. It was also believed that
there would be less chance of opposition to the new ordinance from former permit
holders if they were guaranteed a permit in future years.
The obvious con to eliminating the grandfathered organizations would be the
complaints from those groups, especially from the three for-profit organizations who
would no longer be able to get a permit.
There would be several benefits to eliminating the grandfathered organizations. The
Legislative and Litigation Committee recommended changing the fireworks ordinance
to allow each organization to submit only one application to avoid the "stuffing" of
the lottery, thus giving everyone who wants a permit the same chances of receiving
one. Of the 39 grandfathered organizations, there are five organizations that have
two permits. Eliminating the grandfathered organizations would be more equitable
and consistent with this methodology.
The City Municipal code ("Code") states that the grandfathered organization must
apply for a permit every year or they will' be eliminated from the list. This has created
some improper activities in the past. Some grandfathered organizations have
improperly allowed other groups to use their permit in order for them to stay on the
list. Therefore, a group that would have otherwise gone into the draw and may not
have received a permit has operated a booth, tn an attempt to prohibit this improper
use of permits, we have sent employees out to the fireworks booths each year to
determine if a booth is being operated by the actual permit holder. This process takes '
several days and two treasury employees. Ii: the grandfathered organizations were
eliminated, these inspections would not be necessary.
Permit applications for grandfathered organizations and draw organizations are
processed by the City differently. In accordance with the Code requirements, the
grandfathered organizations,must submit all of the required documentation and the
required fees between March 1 and March 31 of each year. Draw organizations are
only required to submit two out of the eight required documents when first applying.
Those organizations that are drawn in the lottery then have Until May 15th to submit
the remaining items along the required fees. Having two different procedures for
processing fireworks permits is cumbersome and confusing. Because of these
differences in the permit process, staff must determine which type of applicatiOn it is
and determine the appropriate steps. This can lead to mistakes and additional staff
time in processing the permits.
The fireworks booth permit fee was calculated as follows:
$15.00 Planning Department
$24.00 Building Department
$10.00 Treasury
$52.00 Fire Department
101.00
W..e recommend that the Treasury portion of the .fee be non-refundable. This fee was
calculated .in 1992 and since that time has not been increased. At that time the
City only accepted 50 fireworks booth permit applications. With the increase in
activity and costs since 1992, we suggest that the fee be re-evaluated during the
next Cost Recovery cycle.
During the 2002 fireworks season, the City accepted 61 applications for the draw and
41 from grandfathered organizations. During the 2003 season we accepted 106
applications for the draw and 39 applications that were grandfathered. That
represents a 43% increase. Of the total applications processed for the 2003 season, 75
individual groups applied. The remaining 70 applications received were by multiple
applications from the same organizations. That equals almost half of all applications
received.
Out of the 75 individual, organizations that applied 5 were disqualified for various
reasons leaving a total of 70 organizations eligible for permits of which 36 were
eli~ble for the draw. The City could issue 65 fireworks booths permits in 2003 based
on the population. That means that only 5 organizations would have not received a
booth if organizations were not allowed to submit multiple applications. Thus the
risk.of an organization paying a permit processing fee and not getting a booth would
be minimal.
One option the City might consider is placing a cap on fireworks booth permits that
can be issued to 70, doing away with the grandfathered organizations, and accepting
only one application per non-profit organization. Under this scenario, if the same
number of eligible organizations applied as did in 2003, only 5 organizations would
not get a permit.
The fireworks season requires a great deal of staff time and effort. Listed below is
just some of the work ~the City staff is required to perform during the fireworks
season. This does not include the time we spend, on phone calls and/or problems
before and after permits are issued.
There is an annual meeting with the public and fireworks companies to discuss prior
year problems, hand out application packets, and discuss any changes for the new
season. This meeting is attended by three employees from Treasury, the Fire
Marshall, and a Building Inspector.
Applications are accepted between March 1 and March 31 each year in Treasury.
These applications are review by staff to insure all the necessary documentation is
included and complete, and a fee is collected.
The Treasurer's Office then reviews the membership lists comparing lists received by
multiple organizations for duplicate members. Each membership list must contain 35
bona fide members and each member can only be on one list. Therefore, it is
necessary to compare the lists received from multiple organizations for duplicate
members. We also verify all non-profit documentation via the Intemet to insure the
organization is in an active non-profit status, and that the individual signing for the
organization is authorized. All of this has to be completed in seven days before the
drawing takes place on April 10th.
To prepare for the drawing the Treasurers Office prepares a list of all organizations
that are entered. From that lists slips of paper are made up for all the organizations.
The April 10th meeting for the draw is attended by the fireworks.companies and some
of the organizations. The City Clerk performs the draw and certifies a list. All slips
are drawn and listed in the order drawn to insure that every organization was
included. This draw process takes usually two hours and includes three employees
from Treasury, and the City Clerk. We then notify all organizations that were drawn
and they have until May 15th to file the remaining documentation and pay the fees.
From April through June Treasury processes the remaining documentation for all
applicants that will receive a fireworks booth permit. This included checking all
locations for distance and duplications. Checking that all organizations are located
inside the City limits. Ail applicants must have permission from the property owner
where the booth is to be located, and this must be verified. We must receive
certificates of insurance and a state fire marshal license. All of this .is very time
consuming and requires a lot of time being spent on the Phone.
The fireworks applications are all routed to various City departments for approval.
The Planning Department approves zoning, Risk Management approves the
insurance. Traffic Department, Fire Department and Building Department also have
to approve the application.
Once the permits are issued the booths are inspected by both the Building Department
and Fire Department. Sometimes a second inspection is required from one or both of
these departments. Building inspects the actual structure (booth), utilities, curbs cuts
and/or driveways and identifies the nearest available sanitary facilities and fire
hydrants. The Fire Department reviews all plot plans, checks for the appropriate
distances .from structures and other fireworks booths, looks for any flammable
material that might be in the area such as tents, signs or canopy's and makes sure
there are ample emergency exits.
The City receives a $100.00 security/clean-up deposit for each fireworks booth that
operates. At the close of fireworks season, each organization has until July 15th to
clean-up the area. City staff goes out and inspects the area to make sure it has been
cleaned-up before the City returns the deposit.
Because of the potential danger t° the public, .the City takes the sale of fireworks very
seriously. Therefore, after the fireworks booths are opened to sell fireworks various
City staff go out to each booth to check for any violations such as, making a change to
the actual booth after inspection, sales of other unauthorized items, sign violations or
unauthOrized permit users. Each year there are some of these violations that have to
be dealt with.
We surveyed nine cities comparable to the City of Bakersfield for fireworks
procedures. Six of the nine cities do not allow fireworks sales. The other three do
allow the sale of fireworks but one of the cities only allows the use of the fireworks in
restricted areas, because of county restrictions adopted to reduce the fire hazard. Two
of the cities base the number of fireworks permits allowed on population. The City of
Fresno has a set amount of 60. All three have a non-refundable fee which ranges
from $50.00 to $350.00 and permits are processed by their fire departments. Two of
the cities only give permits to non-profit organizations the other city has
grandfathered in for-profit organizations, but no longer issue permits to any other for-
profit organizations. The City of Fresno issues two year permits and has an alternating
program where each year only 30 permits are drawn. They have no grandfathered
organizations, all permits are drawn by lottery.
A list is attached of all fireworks booth permit holders for 2003. This includes the
grandfathered permit holders as well as the draw organizations. The three for-profit
organizations are identified. All of the other organizations are non-profit. Five of the
grandfathered organizations have two permits and are marked by a line.
~.44.0 lO
Chapter 8.44 year. Permits issued to such annexed entities shall be in
addition to those issued on the-basis of population, without
FIREWORKS* the necessity ofbein§ selected by drawing.
4. Those applicants having first obtained a permit or
Sections: license from the State Fire Marshall under Part 2, Division 11
8.44.010 Definitions. of the Health and Safety C0de'ofthis state.
8.44.020 Permit required. B. All recipients of fireworks permits except those
8.44.030 Application~Issuance--Fee. specifically exempted in subsections A.3 and C. herein, shall
· 8.44.040 Regulations. be selected by a drawing (by lot)' conducted by the city
8.44.050 Revocation. manager or his/her designee not later than April 10th of each
8.44.060 Appeal. ' year.
C. The total number of fireworks.permits to be issued
* Prior history: Prior code §§ 14.40.0 lOll 4.40.060 and Ordinances shall not exceed one permit per four thousand population, or
2756. 2805, 2917, 2975, 3086, 3147 and 3452. portion thereof, in the city, as set forth in the prior calendar
year annual report of the State Deparl~nent of Finance, but not
8.44.010 Definitions. less than fifby; provided, however, any person applying for a
Whenever used in this chapter, unless a different meaning fireworks permit who had such permit in 1994 and also in
clearly appears from the context, the words set out in this each subsequent year shall be issued a permit if otherwise
section shall have the following~meanings: qualified without being included in the drawing,
A. "Applicant" means those Persons defined in Section notwithstanding the fact that such issuance may increase the
8.'44.030(A) (!) through (4). number of permits.to more than that allowed herein.
B. "Person" means an individual, partnership, group, D. Applications for fireworks permits shall be
corporation or association of any nature whatsoever. (Ord. submitted by the "applicant" (as opposed, to the fireworks
4042 § 1, 2002: Ord. 3640 § 1 (part), 1995) vendor) commencing March 1st through March 31st of each
year. No applications shall be accepted by the city after
8.44.020 Permit required. March 31st of each year. Applications for the drawing
It is unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale or
referenced in subsections 03) and (C) above need not include
expose for sale within the city any fireworks in violation of the State Sales Tax number nor will require items 3 through 8
this chapter or without having a valid permit therefor in of the application form. Those applicants successful in the
accordance with the provisions ofthis chapter. (Ord. 3640§l drawing shall have until May 15th to complete their
(part), 1995) applications and submit the required fee(s).
E. Except as modified by subsection (D) above,
8.44;030 Application~lssuance---Fee. applications for fireworks permits shall be made on forms to
A. A Permit for the sale of safe and sane fireworks may be furnished by the city manager or his designee, shall be
not be issued except to the following applicants: signed under penalty of perjury by the applicant and shall
1. A nonprofit organization or corporation organized require the following information and documents:
and existing primarily for veteran, pa~'iotic, religious, 1. The name, address and telephone number of the
welfare, charitable or civic-betterment purposes, organized nonprofit organization or retail business establishment for
and established in the city at least one year prior to the filing which application is made;
of application for permit under this chapter and having a bona 2. The applicant's business tax certificate number if it
fide membership of at least thirty-five members, is a retail business establishment, and the name and address of
2. Retail (for profit) business establishments which
· all owners ofsuch business;
have, for a Period of at least one year prior to the filing of an
3. The location of the proposed fireworks sales;
application for permit under this chapter, held a valid business 4. The purpose of the nonprofit organization or
tax certificate issued by the city under Chapter 5.02 of this corporation, its principal and permanent meeting place; the
code; provided, no such permit shall be issued to any such approximate date of its establishment in the city; the total
retail business establishment unless such establishment was number of its local membership; the names and addresses of
issued a permit the previous year. its officers;
3. Any entity which held a permit issued by Kern
5. A plot plan, showing the location of the temporary
County for a particular location the previous year, which
fireworks stand, utilities, location of permanent and
location was subsequently annexed to the city within the past
4-02) 310
8.44.030
temporary structures, curb cuts and/or driveways and F. Location of temporary stands may not be changed
identi lying the nearest available sanitary facilities, and fire after an application is filed except as required by the city,
hydrants. For those applicants who were issued a or where there is evidence of change in property
fireworks permit for the preceding year, the plot plan must ownership or management and prior approval or consent
be submitted with the application package. For those has been revoked by the new owners or managers.
applicants successful in the drawing, plot plans must be G. No one organization business, group or person '
submitted by May 15th of each year. Plot plans will be may receive more than one permit for fireworks sales
approved or rejected by the Fire Department by June 15th. during any one calendar.year.
Amendment will not be permitted to .anyplot plan rejected H. All permits issued under this chapter shall remain
subsequent to the March :31st application deadline for in effect from noon on July 1st to noon on July 5th unless
renewal permits or the May 15th deadline for successful earlier suspended or revoked.
drawing applicants, except to correct any violation of the I. The applicant shall pay a -fee not to exceed the
minimum distance separation as required by Section cost of processing any such application and.inspecting
8A4.040(F); such business as set forth in Section 3.70.040.
6. A written authorization from the owner of the J. Permits may be issued with conditions to ensure
location or person in lawful possessioh thereof, if other that the business will be operated in a safe and legal
than the applicant, for the locating ofthebusinessuponhis manner, will not disturb the peace and quiet of the
or her property; neighborhood and will not constitute an undue burden on
7. Evidence, satisfactory, to the city manager or his city resources. (Ord. 4042 § 2, 2002: Ord. 3640 § I (part),
designee, of (1) general liability insurance providing 1995)
coverage on an occurrence basis for bodily injury,
included death of one or more persons, property damage 8.44.040 Regulations.
and personal injury,, with limits as required by the city; and A. Those fireworks which are classified as
(2) workers' compensation, with statutory limits and "dangerous" fireworks under Section 12505 of the
employers liability insurance with timits as requLred by theCalifornia Health and Safety Code are prohibited, except
city. All policies'required of the applicant hereunder shallthat such fireworks as are defined and classified as "safe
be primary insurance as to the city, its mayor, council, and sane fireworks" in Section 12529 of the California
officers, agents, employees and volunteers and any Health and Safety Code may be displayed, sold and used
insurance or self-insurance maintained by the city, its pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and not
mayor, council, officers, agents, employees and volunteers otherwise.
shall be considered excess insurance over and above the B. No permit holder shall shout, make any outcry,
applicant's insurance and shall not contribute with it. The blow a horn, ring a bell or use any other sound device
applicants shall save, hold harmless and indemnify the including .any loudspeaker, radio or amplifying system
city, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers fi.om ali Where sound of sufficient volume is emitted or produced
claims, demands, damages, judgments, costs or expenses there from capable of being plainly heard upon the streets,
in law or equity that may at any time arise from or is any alleys, parks or other public places.
way related to any work performed by applicant, his C. Any permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be
agents or employees under the terms of any permit issued nontransferable, and shall be valid only as to the applicant
under this chapter; and location provided on the application for such permit,
8. Cash bond in the sum of one hundred dollars, to or as set forth in Section 8.44.030F. Locational preference
be forfeited to the city in the event the permittee fails toshall be given for the consecutive use of a particular
remove said stand, equipment and rubbish from the location by the applicant as established by the previous
premises upon which the stand is located before twelve year's approved plot plan assuming all other provisions of
noon on July 15th of the year for which said permit is this ordinance are complied with. If two or more
granted. The cash bond shall be returned to the applicant applications for new stand locations are within the
upon full performance of the requirements of this chapter; minimum four hundred foot distance requirement of each
9. Approval fi.om the public works department ofthe other, preference shall be determined by a drawing
city that operation at the fireworks stand at the proposed conducted by the city manager or his/her designee.
location' will not present any substantial hazard to D. Except as expressly permitted by and in
vehicular or pedestrian'traffic, accordance with the provisions of Chapter 12.44 of this
code, the sale, offer to sell, advertising or display of
31 1 (~,d ~-02)
8.44.040
merchandise on any street or sidewalk in the city or roof of K. Each stand in excess of twenty-four feet in length
the fireworks stand is prohibited, must have at least two exits. Each stand in excess of forty
E. All retail sales of safe and sane fireworks shall be feet in length must have at least three exits.
permitted only from a temporary fireworks stand and the L. Each stand shall be provided with not less than
sale from any other building or structure is prohibited. The two 2A 10 BC-type fire extinguishers, underwriter
sale of any other items or commodities (e.g., consumables) approved, in good working order and easily accessible for
in conjunction with the sale of safe and sane fireworks is use/n case of fire.
strictly prohibited. M.' No person shall light, or cause or permit to be
F. No fireworks stand shall be located within one lighted, any fireworks or any other article 'or material
hundred feet of any gasoline storage or gasoline pump or within any such stand, or within ,fifty feet thereof.
any garage or within thirty feet of any other building, or N. No smoking shall be allowed in any stand, nor
within four hundred feet of any .other fireworks stand, within fifty feet thereof. "No smoking" signs shall be
when measured closest point to closest point, prominently displayed.
G. Fireworks stands need not comply with the 0. All weeds and combustible material shall be
provisions of the building code of the city except that the cleared from the location of the stand, including a distance
building official shall have authority to require that stands of at least twenty feet surrounding the stand.
be constructed in a manner which will reasonably ensure P. There shall be at least one adult in ~ttendance
the safety of attendants and patrons. Fireworks stands may · during the open or sale hours of the fireworks stand. No
utilize shading devices such as canopies or awnings for.the minor .under the age of eighteen shall be permitted in a
convenience of patrons subject to the following stand.
limitations: Q. All permits must be posted in a conspicuous
i. The location and dimensions must be shown on place.
the approved plot plan; R. Fireworks shall be sold only between the hours of
2. Cannot cover or Lmpede any public fights-of-way; twelve noon, July I st, to twelve noon on July 5th.
3. Must be free standing (not anchored or tied to any S. Permittee shall strictly comply with all provisions
public property such as light or electrical poles); of the State Fireworks Law (Sections 12500 et seq. of the
4. Must not cover the booth or any portion thereof; Health and Safety Code).
5. Must meet all Uniform Fire Code specifications as T. The fireworks stand shall be removed from the
adopted by the city, including flame retardancy and set- temporary location by twelve noon on July 15th, and all
back requirements; accompanying litter shall be cleared from said location on
6. Must provide shade from the top only (no sides), or before said time.
Banners, signs or other items on or hanging from the U. Night watchman accommodations shall not be
awning or canopy are prohibited; closer than twenty-five feet from the fireworks stand.
7. May not reduce the number of parking spaces V. No fireworks shall be placed in any fireworks
required by the traffic authority; and stand until a permit for such stand has been issued by the
8 Display or sale of f'u'eworks from the awning or city.
canopy area is prohibited. W. Any person who receives a notice to correct any
H. Fireworks stands shall be located only in a C-I violation of these regulations or any other condition of the
zoning district or a zoning district less restrictive than C-l, permit, and who fails to correct such violation within the
unless located upon property owned and occupied by a time prescribed in the notice, may be assessed a fee not
church and/or school, which church or school is either a exceeding the city's cost of reinspection in accordance
legal or legal nonconforminguse of such property, with Section 3.70.040 of this code. (Ord. 4042 § 3, 2002:
I. All temporary stands for the display and sale of Ord. 3892 § 1, 1999; Ord. 3640 § l (part), 1995)
fireworks shall obtain an electrical permit from the city
building department, if electrical current is utilized or 8.44.050 Revocation.
necessary. Any permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be
J. If a toilet is not immediately available during all immediately revoked by the city manager or his designee
open or sale hours of the. fireworks stand, then an whenever he finds:
approved chemical one must be provided. A. That misrepresentations were made on the appli-
cation; or
~cnfictd ,~.o2) 312
8.44.050
B. That any of the terms or conditions of said permit
have been violated, or that the business has been operated
in violation of local, state or federal law. (Ord. 3640 § 1
· (part), 1995)
8.44.060 - Appeal.
A. Should any applicant be dissatisfied with the
decision of the city manager or his designee not to grant a
permit or to revoke a permit, then said applicant may, no
later than ten days after notice of such decision is
deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the
applicant or permittee at the address provided on the
application, make written objection to the city council
setting forth the grounds for dissatisfaction, whereupon the
council shall-hear said objections at a regular meeting no
later than three weeks following the filing of the objection
with the city clerk. The applicant shall be given written
notice no less than three days prior to said hearing. The
council may, upon said hearing, sustain, suspend or
overrule the decision of the cit~ manager or.his designee,
which decision shall be final and conclusive.
13. Pending the hearing before the council, the deci-
sion of the city manager or his designee shall remain in
full force and effect and any reversal.thereof by the cit~
council shall not be retroactive but shall take effect as of
the date of the council's decisions. (Ord. 3640 § 1 (part),
1995)
312-1 (t~n~e~d 4-02)