City hears concerns on fireworks

The Tea City Council met July 7 and heard from citizens concerned about fireworks in the city.

Two citizens expressed their concern over large pieces of shrapnel nearly hitting one while sitting on his deck. They brought in the pieces to show the council. They would like the council to consider a fireworks ordinance. They were not asking for a full ban but do not want others setting off fireworks that have been modified.

The council approved the remodel and addition at Tea Veterinary Clinic at 710 E. Figzel Court and the interior build out of Schwartzle Office Building at 1500 N. Main. They also approved the replays of lots 1A, 2A and 3A, block 1, Bakker Landing First Addition and lots 7 and 12, block 6, Serenity Park Addition.

They held public hearings for two conditional use permits. 

The first one was for a Midco Communications facility at 1435 N. Katie Ave. A handful of citizens spoke out against the facility due to noise levels that could be emitted from the building. The council denied the permit on a unanimous vote.

The second hearing was for Cresten contractor shops and storage yard at 2501 N. Bakker Landing Ave. The council heard from the applicant. 

No one from the public spoke for or against the project. The council denied the permit on a unanimous vote.

City administrator Justin Weiland provided the council with a brochure on open meetings for their review. He noted that everything they post on the agenda or communicate with the public is open record and reminded the council to communicate through their city email.

Community development director Albert Schmidt reviewed the building permits so far this year. The total number of building permits this year is 200 which is 18 more than a year ago.

Schmidt also addressed the council on the sign code within the zoning ordinance. He asked the council to give some direction on should the school district be treated like a government group or a business, how large is too large for freestanding signs and building signs, the maximum height, sign location, brightness of digital signs and other issues.