7/23/13 - The detonation of fireworks overnight or on public property is now a civil infraction in the City of Howell and the first offense will cost you $500. New amendments and fines for violating the municipalityâs fireworks ordinance outside of the designated holiday time period were put into effect during Monday nightâs City Council meeting. While the statute says the fines are âup to $500â, Council decided that the amount will make it less desirable to break the new fireworks law. This doesnât preclude a police officer from giving a warning but some council members debated whether it was an appropriate amount for a first offense. Councilman Scott Niblock felt $500 was a significant amount of money and a bit much while members Dawn Cooper and Steve Manor believe going to this extreme will be effective in getting peopleâs attention. Currently the City of Howell restricts the use of fireworks to the day before, the day of and the day after a national holiday. The amendments approved last night prohibit the detonation of fireworks on public, church or another personâs property. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI a first offense alone could cost you $500 and the recent change came about due to the State of Michigan updating their fireworks law. Municipalities were given the choice to prohibit fireworks between the hours of 1am and 8am, even on the three days that they are allowed. The new amendments also prohibit fireworks on church or another personâs property. The new restrictions were put into place following continued complaints. As the offense has been changed to a civil infraction, council members believe it should cut down on the misuse of fireworks. (DK)
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