The 4th of July could have a noisy night in West Des Moines and Des Moines, now that both cities are allowing fireworks to be set off.
The West Des Moines City Council Tuesday night voted 4 to 1 to allow fireworks to be used only on July 4th between 4pm and 10pm, the same as the city of Des Moines.
If they're used any other day, the fine is $625.
Councilman Russ Trimble suggested allowing them on the 4th between 10am and 10pm, but Councilman Jim Sandager suggested that West Des Moines follow Des Moines' lead and allow them only 4pm to 10pm.
The issue put two councilmen who sit next to each other on either side of the issue. Rick Messerschmidt describes himself as an avowed opponent of fireworks in West Des Moines, saying they're "not a good fit for this city." John Mickelson says he's a "fireworks lover" who says he plans to set off fireworks during the 4th "in a rural setting".
The council also was at odds over fireworks sales. City staff drafted an ordinance that only allows them to be sold in areas zoned "General Industrial". That would allow sales in the southwest corner of the city, and in an area generally north of Ashworth along 63rd and 73rd streets.
Councilmen Russ Trimble and Kevin Trevillyan objected. Trimble said the city has never allowed retail sales on industrially zoned land, and there are retail businesses in the city that want the chance to sell fireworks. City staff echoed that Hy-Vee was one of the companies that have inquired about selling fireworks.
Councilman Trevillyan said there also is a safety issue, as many companies in that zoning classification also have combustible materials.
It was a 3 to 2 vote, with Trimble and Trevillyan voting no, to allow the sales only in the areas under General Industrial zoning.