Aurora is beginning its campaign against illegal fireworks in the city.
An effort that actually began shortly after the Fourth of July holiday last year should take off in the next week or so with a public relations thrust to remind people tougher enforcement could be ahead.
In October 2021, the City Council approved changes to the city’s ordinances to add a level of enforcement against users of illegal fireworks. Once the province solely of the police and fire departments, the city’s inspection crew, through the Property Standards Division, can now get involved in a process in which people can swear out complaints after the fact.
If someone sees fireworks lit, and can get a photo or pinpoint where they came from, that person can swear out a complaint through the city’s website portal, or by calling the customer service center.
The new level of enforcement requires people signing affidavits against a violator.
“We have to make sure we have all the information, including the affidavit,” said Ruthie Harris, Property Standards director, to the City Council this week. “The complainant has to complete the affidavit, or that complaint will not move forward.”
It is that part of the process that have made City Council members a bit skeptical.
“I don’t see how it’s going to work,” said Ald. Scheketa Hart-Burns, 7th Ward. “I’m open to it. But neighbors won’t sign affidavits against neighbors.”
Mayor Richard Irvin said that’s where aldermen have to get involved in their wards to “step up” and talk to their constituents.
“We’ve been talking about trying to address fireworks for at least the five years I’ve been mayor,” he said. “Aldermen have to take the ball and run with it.”
Under the new rules, the administrative hearing officer would have the power to levy a fine of between $250 to $1,000, depending on things such as what fireworks were used, where they were used and how often offenders have been using fireworks.
Before Memorial Day, the city will begin its campaign informing people that there will be new enforcement procedures available. The slogan “If You Light It, We Will Write It” will be everywhere, according to Clayton Muhammad, the city’s chief communications and equity officer.
He said the city will publicize the fact that there is increased enforcement through social media, traditional media, mass text messages, citywide mailers, billboards, ward communications from aldermen, neighborhood groups, yard signs and on the city’s website.
He said experience has shown that once people know and understand that there will be greater enforcement, they comply.
“We have seen this with parking (on city streets) in the winter,” he said.
Deb Lang, assistant corporation counsel, said the old-fashioned way of calling 911 and reporting fireworks to the police “is still an option.”
She said in those cases, the person reporting has to witness the event, and be able to tell police where it happened.
While people still need to give a general location with the reporting to the city’s Property Standards inspectors, it can be done shortly after the fact – the next morning, for instance.
“We’re hoping it will be a combination of all those factors,” Lang said.
