St. Clair Shores Approves Resolution to Repeal Fireworks Bill

St. Clair Shores City Council approved a resolution Monday that calls for the repeal of the , which allowed the sale and discharge of of more powerful pyrotechnics.

The resolution urges the Michigan Legislature to repeal the law, which has lead to unintended consequences including increased demands on police and fire personnel along with a "substantial decline in quality-of-life issues" according to the resolution.

"In the past, people would drive to Ohio and Indiana and bring (the fireworks) up and they would a bring them up, and they would have their one night show," Councilman John Caron said. "In the past month of June, it was 'ooh let’s see what this one looks like and blow it up and let's see what that one looks like and blow it up.'"

City Council voted 5-2 to approve the resolution and send it to the governor, Sen. Steve Bieda, D-Warren, and Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township. The resolution follows a busy holiday weekend for the police department.

According to City Manager Ben Hughes, the police department received 26 fireworks related calls on July 3 and issued nine violations. On July 4, there were 45 calls for service and 14 violations were issued with nine total arrests.

These arrests included two arrests for disorderly conduct, two arrests for possession of narcotics, four arrests for trespassing and one felony complaint that is being reviewed by the prosecutor for an individual who threw a large caliber and legal firework at a neighbor.

The explosion caused a minor injury and potential hearing loss, according to Hughes.

Last year, the police reported 26 calls for service.

Resident Chuck Hall spoke against the law and in favor of the resolution.

"It not only strips local power from municipalities, it strips the peace and quiet from St. Clair Shores," he said.

Councilman Peter Rubino was joined by Councilwoman Candice Rusie in an unsuccessful attempted to table the resolution. Their intention was to see the law amended rather than repealed.

"I want the ability for our city to govern ourselves and regulate the fireworks ourselves," Rubino said.

Hughes said police are still responding to resident complaints about fireworks under the current .

"We are now outside of the state prescribed three day window (July 3-5) but we still have residents who are choosing to light off fireworks," he said. "Our police department is still responding."