PULLMAN, Wash – A Pullman city council member says fireworks Washington State University sets off during sporting events are disturbing and should not be allowed.
Councilman Nate Weller says he’s heard from constituents for 11 years that the fireworks that go off during Cougar baseball and football games can be traumatizing and also wake children sleeping in their homes nearby.
“This is a problem,” Weller said during a council meeting this week. “I don’t say that lightly.”
Weller said the WSU fireworks shake the windows at his home about a mile from campus.
Pullman city code allows for commercial fireworks displays if someone has a permit during 4th of July ceremonies or New Year’s Eve celebrations.
It also allows for WSU to set off fireworks during “officially sanctioned activities.”
Individuals can also set off fireworks on July 3rd and 4th.
Banning WSU from setting off fireworks would require the council to change city code.
Weller went on to imply that WSU is setting off fireworks in order to increase ticket sales.
“This was not something that was done prior to 2015. There were no issues with ticket sales when I was going to WSU,” Weller said. “There were no issues with economics with that. Explosions in the air isn’t going to end up creating a sudden wealth of $1 million coming to WSU.”
“The community health is foremost of my concern,” Weller said. “The economics of WSU is secondary for me.”
Weller said the planned fireworks shows during 4th of July and New Year’s Eve are easier to predict so that people can prepare or leave town.
WSU’s fireworks, he contends, go off without warning.
Council member Ann Parks said she’s concerned about any fireworks being allowed in the city.
“There are many people that this disturbs,” said Ann Park.
Because the matter was not on the council agenda, the council could not take action. Council members said they support a public meeting so that people can weigh in on the issue.
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