This year was the first year in ??? years that the City of Ozark has permitted the setting off of fireworks within its city limits. How do you think it went?
When the change to allow fireworks came before the board, I was excited that they were going to change the code to allow it. As you may have noticed, I like freedom and less government, even when it comes to something as trivial as fireworks. However, I have received some complaints, and I would like your opinion on the topic.
My question to you: Do you think Ozark should continue to allow the shooting of fireworks in city limits? What is the appropriate course of action against those who cause unreasonable litter or damage to their neighbors' property while legally shooting fireworks?
I like most Americans enjoy bar-b-q and SOME fireworks to celebrate on the 4th. The display, trash, and noise over Rolling Prairie on the could have overshadowed any COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED production that any city could put on. There needs to be a happy medium in the law. After speaking with the Sheriff's Dept. (out of their jurisdiction) and Ozark Police, I learned that fireworks could be shot off as late at mid-night, children without parent supervision could be out until mid-night, and police could do nothing about the trash unless it was blocking traffic -- all of this leaving a densely populated neighborhood at the mercy of those who took their celebrations too far.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for freedom (in government), but this works best when all individual practice self-regulation and consideration of others.
I appreciate your comment, and I am working on the Rolling Prairie situation now. Actually, I would really like to speak with some of the people involved in that incident. Will you call me? I will let you know what I am thinking. Is there still trash in yard of the individual who shot of the fireworks? Please call me. 417-231-1045.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Rolling Prairie subdivision. Maybe someone could help us get some paved streets and help get the overgrown lots cleaned up. It\\\'s an embarrassment to the residents as well as frustrating to what it is doing to our property values.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Unfinished subdivisions is a big pet peave of mine. The board is getting ready to start having bi-weekly lunch meetings to discuss issues and this one will be on the top of the list. There are 28 subdivision that have similar issues to Rolling Prairie's and it is something we need to chiping away at. If you would like to discus this in more detail please give me a call at 417-231-1045. I will write a whole blog entry on this soon.
ReplyDeleteMs. Wagner, I'm curious if there has been anymore discussions on the unfinished subdivisions? You had mentioned possible discussions at the bi-weekly lunch meetings.
ReplyDeleteThe developer of Rolling Prairie, Jack Isenberger, needs to have his letter of credit called upon to pave our streets. The way the economy is right now, he won't ever finish the subdivision which means he won't ever pave the streets. He is also holding our Homeowner's Association hostage. He never holds meetings. He doesn't maintain his own properties. And he doesn't enforce the covenants. Please help!
Thanks for your comment. The board did have a meeting on bonds and letters of credit at our last lunch meeting. We are going to begin looking at each of these on a case by case basis to determine what the best course of action is. I am not sure what Rolling Prarie’s specific circumstances are but legally we cannot collect or ask for a developers letter of credit or bond until, I think, 75% of the lots are sold. If he is running your home owners association, I assume he still holds at least a majority of the lots. Do you know which phase of the subdivision you live in? I have called the city to see if I can get an update on your subdivision specifically since each has unique circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your information! Your one post has more facts in it than I've ever got from multiple calls to the city. I truly appreciate your time. We live in Phase 5.
ReplyDeleteToday is July 4th, and as of last year it is legal to set of fireworks inside the city limits only for today. However, I've spent, literally, the past week being woken up at 10:30 PM, sometimes later, by people setting of fireworks near my house. I can't help but feel that this wouldn't happen were fireworks to be 'un-legalized' within the city limits, regardless of it being the 4th of July.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as I'm typing this response, the neighbors behind my house are actively setting off rockets angled directly over my yard. So tomorrow, I get to experience the joy of picking up all of their firework trash/debris that has rained down into my back yard.
I would agree with your point on freedom vs government, but perhaps from the other side. You may argue that people should have the freedom to set off fireworks during this time of the year. I would say to that, that I should have the right to get a good nights sleep, and to not have to clean up my neighbors' trash out of my back yard.
If people aren't willing to ban fireworks once again, perhaps the police should be more readily available to enforce the limits of the law.