12/07/1992 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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VI. PUBLIC HEARING: TECHNICAL CODES ADOPTION--ADMINISTRATIVE RULE . PROCESS City Manager Mike Gleason introduced the item. Fire Marshal Dave Nuss, Department of Public Safety (DPS), presented the staff report. The draft ordinance involves the City Council approving, in Chapter 8 of the Eugene Code, a broad policy around the need for fire, life safety, and structural regulations, and general criteria for these regulations. The City Manager would be charged with the responsibility for establishing and enforcing technical codes through an administrative rule process. Licensing, permits, and fees related to technical code enforcement would also be included. Staff has also included two policy statements for specific provisions in accordance with the council's request. The first policy deals with preventive measures with respect to wildland/urban intermix fire safety issues found in Section 8.010 of the draft ordinance. The second policy deals with the regulation of fireworks found in Section 8.015 of the draft ordinance. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Nuss said the majority of Fire/Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls related to fireworks is centered around late June/early July, the period during which the retail sales of fireworks is allowed under State law. Mr. MacDonald commended staff's efforts to streamline the fire code inspection program before the 1993 construction season. Mayor Miller opened the public hearing. Paul E. Cole, 4220 Kincaid Street, introduced himself as the Senior Pastor at . the South Hills Assembly of God. He testified against a ban on the sale of fireworks, saying that fireworks sales currently comprise about 65 percent of money raised yearly by the church's youth group. Matt Tallman, 363 Lindale Drive, representing a campus ministry organization at the University of Oregon, said his organization is one of the numerous nonprofit organizations which rely on fireworks sales as their main financial support. He noted that his organization will sell fireworks in Springfield next year and that a ban in Eugene would likely result in increased sales. He said he opposed the ban, feeling that it would promote the sale and use of illegal and dangerous fireworks. Fritz Hostetler, 861 South Redwood, Canby, introduced himself as a representa- tive of Western Commercial Fireworks, a family business established in 1948. He felt that a complete ban on fireworks would be unfair and expressed support for option three recommended by staff. Ed Lundberq, 34676 Devonshire Drive, noted that the council was considering an item that is related to the celebration of Independence Day on the same day that marks the anniversary of the beginning of World War II. He described his experience selling fireworks in Eugene since 1965 and the positive relation- ship he has had with former fire marshals. In conclusion, he supported allowing the continued use of fireworks. MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 7, 1992 Page 8 . 7:30 p.m.