By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – Discussion of a proposal to change the amount of footage allowed between fireworks stands and buildings with flammable products brought about another related concern at the St. John Parish Council meeting Tuesday.

The ordinance, introduced by Councilman Ronny Smith, changes the current rule from the allowable distance of 1,000-ft to 50-ft.

Another proposal by Smith last month asked for more stringent inspection of the stands, he wanted to make sure the items sold were checked out and that the business people were conforming to the parish rules before they received their operating license. His motion failed.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone,” Smith told the council and audience on Tuesday. “I just believe we need to get in line with the state ordinance.” That ordinance lists the distance required between the stands and flammable materials as 50-ft.

Director of Public Safety Paul Oncale said the re-wording of the new ordinance makes sense. And it should match the state regulations.

“If it is good enough for 63 other (Louisiana) parishes, it is good enough for St. John Parish,” Oncale said.

The new ordinance passed unanimously, 9-0

Fireworks stands are allowed to operate during the holiday seasons of New Year’s, Fourth of July and Christmas.

LaPlace resident Linda Dumas, a member of the Cambridge Colony Residents Association, approached the council about the legalities of fireworks in general. She said that there is a problem in her neighborhood during the holidays when neighbors light fireworks.

“It is really a mess,” Dumas said. “They get on my car and all over my yard.”

Smith said it is not the council’s job to ride around in a police car and tell everyone they can’t use fireworks.

Councilman Cleveland Farlough asked the audience that if this was such a hot-button item, how come there weren’t more people at Tuesday’s meeting?

Resident Ron Ferraro told him that many residents (especially senior citizens) are worried about the fireworks, both the possibility of an explosion of the stands, causing a fire to their homes; and also the use of fireworks in their neighborhood.

He added that many of those people did not want to come before the council, because they were scared and didn’t know what to expect.

Council chairman Joel McTopy said he wasn’t aware that some people were so against the fireworks in general. “No one should be afraid to come before us,” he said.

McTopy commented: “I invite anyone from the public, whether they are for, or against, fireworks. We are here to serve all residents.”

Councilman Allen St. Pierre suggested that the residents get a petition together. “They should come here with a petition if that many are against it (fireworks in general,)” he said. “They can go street-to-street, and not just have it all on this council.”