DATE: March 22, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT
Title
Fireworks Ban Education and Enforcement: Introduction of Two Ordinances Amending Chapter 4 Article 15 of the Hayward Municipal Code Relating to Social Nuisance by Specifically Including Fireworks and Chapter 3 Article 3 of the Hayward Municipal Code Relating to Fireworks by Specifically Identifying Property Owners Accountable for Fireworks
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council provides feedback on staff’s proposed workplan to enhance community education and enforcement related to the fireworks ban and introduces two ordinances:
1) Amending Chapter 4, Article 15 of the Hayward Municipal Code to specifically include fireworks (Attachment II); and
2) Amending Chapter 3, Article 3 of the Hayward Municipal Code to specifically hold property owners accountable for fireworks on private property (Attachment III).
End
SUMMARY
On July 20, 2021, Council held a work session on firework mitigation options in response to a surge in community calls and complaints about illegal firework activity. Staff is now returning with a proposal for an enhanced outreach and enforcement approach that focuses on holding private property owners accountable where violations occur and issuing citations to private properties. As part of this approach, staff is recommending amendments to two Articles in the Municipal Code. Additionally, staff is also requesting authorization from Council to use $30,000 toward overtime costs for enhanced and targeted enforcement operations. Some of these costs will be recuperated through additional fees associated with enforcement. These costs will be absorbed by departmental budgets or through the use of fund balance. Finally, staff is presenting an enhanced communication plan to inform community members about the additional enforcement and fees.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Ordinance Amending Chapter 4 Article 15
Attachment III Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 Article 3