City Council Agenda
|
Memo to: |
Manteca City Council |
|
|
|
|
From: |
Steven Islas, Fire Chief |
|
|
|
|
Date: |
March 3, 2026 |
|
|
|
|
Subject: |
Informational Report on Safe and Sane Firework Booth Operations |
Recommendation:
title
Receive a presentation and provide direction to City staff on the City of Manteca’s Safe and Sane Fireworks Program.
body
Background:
The City of Manteca currently permits the sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks through authorized nonprofit organizations during the Independence Day season. The program is designed to allow community fundraising while maintaining strict safety standards and compliance with state and local laws.
Currently, the City allows fourteen (14) non-profit booths to operate and charges a $150 permit fee per booth, which does not adequately cover the administrative, inspection, and enforcement costs associated with the program.
Current Program Overview
• Eligible Operators: Nonprofit organizations meeting City criteria
• Permitting: Applications reviewed by Fire Prevention, Community Development, and Police for compliance with zoning and safety requirements
• Booth Safety Requirements:
o Noncombustible or treated materials
o Fire extinguishers and clear egress
o Secure inventory of State-approved fireworks only
o No smoking or ignition sources near booths
• Inspections: Fire Department conducts pre-opening and spot inspections during the sales period
• Enforcement: Joint operations with Police to deter illegal fireworks use; progressive enforcement for booth violations
• Public Education: Outreach campaigns promoting safe use and discouraging illegal fireworks
• Number of Current Booths: Fourteen (14) non-profit permits issued
Staff recommends the City Council give formal consensus for the following recommended actions:
1. Establish a Non-Refundable Application Fee: Implement a $35 application fee to be in effective 2027 for all Safe and Sane Fireworks booth applicants to offset administrative processing costs.
2. Increase the Permit Fee (Per Booth): Adjust the permit fee from $150 to $250 per booth to better align with the actual costs associated with permitting and compliance oversight.
3. Accept Product from Phantom Fireworks for a City-Hosted Community Event: Authorize the City to accept product donations from Phantom Fireworks to support a City-hosted community event, subject to City Attorney review and compliance with all applicable safety standards.
4. Authorize Use of Signage and Safety Messaging from TNT Fireworks Inc.: Approve the use of standardized signage and safety messaging provided by TNT Fireworks Inc. for distribution at permitted booths and through City communication channels, subject to staff review for consistency with local code and public safety objectives.
If approved, staff will bring back formal action at a future City Council meeting.
Fiscal Impact:
The program is currently underfunded, with permitting and inspection fees failing to adequately cover staff time and resources. The proposed fee adjustments will improve cost recovery for administrative and enforcement activities. Overtime for enforcement during peak periods is planned and budgeted annually. Acceptance of product donations and signage is expected to be cost-neutral to the General Fund.
Documents Attached:
1. Attachment 1 - PowerPoint