By JOHN MCMILLAN
Advocate River parishes bureau
Published: Feb 27, 2007
GONZALES — The Ascension Parish Council’s strategic planning committee Monday decided a fireworks ordinance is not needed in the parish.
Committee Chairman Kent Schexnaydre said Councilman Doug Hillensbeck, who did not attend the meeting, had the topic placed on the agenda.
Councilman Jared Beiriger said the three issues Hillensbeck wanted covered — hours when fireworks could be shot, sales of fireworks near a fire hazard and issuance of permits and collection of sales tax — were already covered by existing ordinances.
“We have a disturbing-the-peace ordinance, the state fire marshall controls the location of fireworks stands, and we already issue permits and collect sales taxes,� Beiriger said.
Councilwoman Cheryl Fontenot said she had received complaints from constituents about people shooting off fireworks at 3 in the morning.
She asked people to be more considerate.
Schexnaydre said he had discussed the issue with Sheriff Jeff Wiley, who said he would enforce the disturbing-the- peace ordinance if anyone filed a complaint.
On another matter, Sherry Kinchen, parish recreation director, discussed reducing fees and insurance requirements for some groups using parish buildings.
She said the fees were too high for some groups, particularly groups that were not rowdy, protected parish property and did not drink alcohol at their events.
The committee took the matter under advisement and will consider later recommending it to the full Parish Council.
Advocate River parishes bureau
Published: Feb 27, 2007
GONZALES — The Ascension Parish Council’s strategic planning committee Monday decided a fireworks ordinance is not needed in the parish.
Committee Chairman Kent Schexnaydre said Councilman Doug Hillensbeck, who did not attend the meeting, had the topic placed on the agenda.
Councilman Jared Beiriger said the three issues Hillensbeck wanted covered — hours when fireworks could be shot, sales of fireworks near a fire hazard and issuance of permits and collection of sales tax — were already covered by existing ordinances.
“We have a disturbing-the-peace ordinance, the state fire marshall controls the location of fireworks stands, and we already issue permits and collect sales taxes,� Beiriger said.
Councilwoman Cheryl Fontenot said she had received complaints from constituents about people shooting off fireworks at 3 in the morning.
She asked people to be more considerate.
Schexnaydre said he had discussed the issue with Sheriff Jeff Wiley, who said he would enforce the disturbing-the- peace ordinance if anyone filed a complaint.
On another matter, Sherry Kinchen, parish recreation director, discussed reducing fees and insurance requirements for some groups using parish buildings.
She said the fees were too high for some groups, particularly groups that were not rowdy, protected parish property and did not drink alcohol at their events.
The committee took the matter under advisement and will consider later recommending it to the full Parish Council.
