Mayor Kaske called the Regular Brier City Council Meeting to order at 7:31 PM, and the flag salute was given.

Present: Councilmembers Starks, Jordan, Moller, Colinas, Magnuson, Doolittle & Warner.

Mayor Kaske opened for consideration approval of the September 25, 2001 Brier City Council Minutes. Councilmember Moller moved and Councilmember Jordan seconded to approve the Brier City Council Minutes of September 25, 2001. Motion Carried.

Mayor Kaske opened the Public Hearing on Fireworks in the City.

Bob Johnson, 21534 26th Avenue W., commented that putting a ban on fireworks is putting a ban on law-abiding citizens. Mr. Johnson stated there is filth all around from cigarettes and dog excrement and fireworks are a low priority when there are more serious problems to consider.

Susan Ernst, 2935 216th Street SW, asked the Council to ban fireworks as her animals react to it and suggested having a Fourth of July celebration in the park instead of holding Brierfest.

Bob Miller, 3424 238th Street SW, showed Council photos of 160 rockets that he found in his yard this year and showed samples of those he found that were made in China that were not safe and sane. Mr. Miller stated that he thought Mrs. Ernst's idea was excellent for community fireworks.

Mr. Rolf Vecchi, 3003 216th Street SW, stated that he is a new American but the problem of fireworks safety is universal and that the solution is to make it a community affair. Mr. Vecchi asked the Council to look at the liability issue, as it is dangerous around houses.

Lynn Engleking, 23024 Brier Road, stated that she would like to see it controlled. Ann Cavazos, Vine Road, stated that she would like to protect freedoms and that they behave responsibly when they set them off. Ms. Cavazos asked for a designated place where they can set off fireworks and that it doesn't matter where it would be or if there are restrictions on it.

Mr. Rose, 2226 225th Place SW, stated that he likes fireworks and they do it in the middle of their street and are very aware of their neighbor's homes and he takes care when he uses them and cleans up afterwards.

Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Miller if he is going to guaranteed that unsafe fireworks will be not be used. Mr. Miller explained that bottle rockets are not safe and sane and rules need to be enforced if they are on the books. Susan Ernst stated her neighbors have been very good and only use safe and sane but they still get into trees and places where they do not belong. Ann Cavazos stated compromise is the answer and people could register at the Police Department if they want to use fireworks.

Lyle Ernst, 2935 216th St. SW, stated that, if it was confined to one night, it would be OK but people do not comply with that regulation in the weeks around the Fourth.

Mr. Rose stated that the existing laws couldn't even be enforced. Susan Ernst asked if they had gotten statistics from Seattle and Councilmember Jordan stated that usually it takes several years. Mr. Johnson stated most of the people in Brier are courteous and considerate and there should be a place for them to use fireworks rather than banning them. Mr. Miller stated that it is getting worse each year.

Councilmember Jordan moved and Councilmember Colinas seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion Carried. Councilmember Colinas stated that only safe and sane fireworks are allowed only on the Fourth of July. Councilmember Colinas asked for information on whether any citations were issued around the Fourth and stated that he liked the idea of a community celebration. Councilmember Colinas requested that Chief Minor contact Lynnwood regarding having an organized show as to whether it reduced the calls when they banned it. There was Council discussion regarding numbers of complaints and citations being issued. Councilmember Colinas suggested a Citizen Patrol to help enforce whatever is put in place. Mayor Kaske suggested decriminalizing the citation if it is to be enforced.

Grace King, 23114 29^th Avenue W., spoke regarding cats being a problem in Brier and reported that they hurt her plants and flower beds and reported that more and more are coming.

Mayor Kaske called for a fifteen minute Execution Session to discuss Personnel Matters at 8:32 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:47 PM and the Executive Session was extended to 9:30 PM.

Mayor Kaske declared the meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.