City approves fireworks permit

EMILY GOJMERAC

REPORTER

People celebrating in the city will be able to have professional fireworks displays under a new ordinance reviewed by members of the Medford City Council during Monday’s committee of the whole meeting.

Members recommended approval of an ordinance change to allow fireworks displays from professional, insured pyrotechnicians. Under the proposed ordinance permits can be issued by the city clerk and returned no later than 45 days prior to the event. The fee for a permit is $100.

Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the fire chief for investigation and no permit shall be granted unless the mayor gets permission from the fire chief to accept the application.

Insurance policies for holding an event in the State of Wisconsin are at the rate of $1,000,000 for bodily injury to any one person, $2,000,000 for injury to more than one person and any other people afterwards. Also $1,000,000 for any damage to property that may be caused by the fireworks under the permit.

“Was this policy modeled after someone else’s?” asked alderman Mike Bub.

City clerk Ashley Lemke responded, “Yes it was, but that is the standard price for insurance.”

The city of Medford may allow fireworks to be used by city employees, agents, or contractors for city sponsored celebrations open to the general public, provided that city of Medford fire and law enforcement officials are notified of the use of the fireworks at least two days in advance.

Joe Harris gave his coordinator’s report saying that they are working on light pole replacement.

In other business: The easement agreement between Todd & Colleen Waldhart, Charles & Linda Gelhaus, the City of Medford, and Jim and Gwen Willkomm to access the building lots east of the intersection of Impala Dr. and Malibu Dr. was accepted and moved onto city council.

The Farmer’s Market will continue to use the parking lot located on Whelen Avenue, just as it was the year prior. The farmer’s market will be held every Tuesday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. beginning on May 12 and ending October 18. Depending on availability of goods and daylight, the dates may be shortened or extended based entirely on seasonal weather.

The City of Medford employee handbook has been revised to update the Titles 7, Time Keeping and hours, 8, Safety, 9, Employee Acknowledgement, and 10 Appendixes.