Simple legislation befuddles city council members

It was not a monumental piece of legislation. Councilman Oliver Jenkins was merely trying to respond to complaints from many constituents by reducing the number of days fireworks can be discharged within the Shreveport city limits during holiday periods. I get complaints as president of the Captain Shreve Neighborhood Association and as a Forum columnist – calls from irate citizens who say the police do not respond to their calls.

In Shreveport, the discharge of fireworks is allowed noon to 10 p.m. from June 25 through July 5 and from Dec. 15 through Jan. 1. On Dec. 31 the hours are extended until midnight and Jan. 1 until 1 a.m. But no one seems to obey the rules these days. You can hear fireworks being discharged during those dates at 2 and 3 in the morning. Not only is it dangerous to discharge fireworks in residential neighborhoods, it disturbs people and traumatizes pets.

Truth be told, fireworks should be totally banned within the city limits of Shreveport. Other cities in the state have recognized the danger and the annoyance to citizens. Cities, such as Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Monroe, Ruston, Lake Charles and several others have banned the discharge of fireworks within their city limits. Some parishes have done the same. But not good ole Shreveport, which always seems to be behind the learning curve.

So Councilman Oliver Jenkins, realizing that there was no way he could get the council to agree on a complete ban, came up with a compromise – reduce the number of days fireworks can be discharged. He emphasized that the legislation would not affect the days on which fireworks could be sold. Sounds simple enough. But not for the Shreveport City Council where some members seemed more concerned about the vendors than the residents.

Councilman Ron Webb seemed totally confused, wanting to know why couldn’t pyrotechnic fanatics be able to discharge fireworks on any day on which they were purchased. He obviously doesn’t know the current law, so this new proposal had him really befuddled. A vendor entered the discussion and muddied the political waters even more. He threw churches into the mix, noting that some churches like to have fireworks displays for the children on weekends following the Fourth of July holiday.

In the end, after much discussion, the council members could not reach a decision, and it was decided to postpone any action on the legislation until after the Fourth of July holiday.

There is no earthly reason why fireworks should be allowed for half-amonth leading up to Christmas or for 10 days prior to July 4. Perhaps city council members have not received enough complaints.

I have researched and found the best phone numbers I could for city council members, which hopefully, will allow you to reach them at night when the discharge of fireworks is keeping you awake and throwing sparks on your roof. So put these numbers on your refrigerator because the disturbing fireworks are a-coming.

• District A Councilwoman Rose Wilson- McCulloch – 227-0803.

• District B Councilman Jeff Everson – 227-8111.

• District D Councilman Michael Corbin – 678-3513.

• District E Councilman Ron Webb – 688-6800.

• District F Councilman Joe Shyne – 636-2617.

• District G Councilman Sam Jenkins – 631-4333.

You will notice that I did not put the phone number for Councilman Oliver Jenkins in the list. That’s because he understands the problem and is trying to do something about it. Perhaps if council members receive enough complaints from the citizens, they will decide to move Shreveport forward and support Councilman Oliver Jenkins when his legislation is brought up again after July 4.

On the other hand

Are you tired of seeing furniture, appliances and huge tree stumps and limbs sitting curbside for days in your neighborhood? Well, thanks to Councilman Sam Jenkins, that will change beginning July 14. He has spent nearly a year trying to get the city council to agree to changes in the way solid waste is collected in Shreveport. Here is a quick glance at the changes:

• Collection of items, such as tree limbs, furniture, appliances and tires will only be done by appointment by calling 673-6300. If you don’t, you could be fined.

• There will be no collection from residential developments with private driveways with inadequate access for solid waste trucks.

• All solid waste collected at the curbside must be in containers or trash bags, except trash collected as part of the bulk program.

• The maximum number of dark green trash cans per residence or commercial establishment is two.

• Backdoor collections for a fee for single-family homes will be discontinued, except for those with disabilities.

• Additional info is available at www.shreveportla.gov.

Lou Gehrig Burnett, an award-winning journalist, has been involved with politics for 44 years and was a congressional aide in Washington, D.C., for 27 years. He also served as executive assistant to former Shreveport Mayor Bo Williams. Burnett is the publisher of the weekly “FaxNet Update” and can be reached at 861-0552 or louburnett@comcast.net.