West Covina : Fireworks Ban Studied
The West Covina City Council, which voted 3 to 2 in September to ban the use of “safe and sane” fireworks within the city, is considering repealing the ban or putting it up to a vote as a result of a referendum petition.
A coalition of five veterans groups, the only organizations the city allows to sell legal pyrotechnics, mounted a signature drive to force the decision. The county registrar-recorder verified last week that the petition had more than the required 10% of the city’s registered voters, or 4,235 names.
According to the state Election Code, the council can either call an election or rescind the ordinance, which is automatically voided until the outcome is determined.
Although the council majority has indicated an unwillingness to change its position, it notes that a special election in March could cost the city between $35,000 and $45,000. Another option, voiding the ban and setting the issue up for a vote in April, 1990, would cost the city between $20,000 and $25,000.
The council indicated Monday it will make a decision at its Nov. 28 meeting.
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