City Manager Memo (updated 3/24/2025)*

MISSION: We improve the lives of the people we serve every day.
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City Manager
Memorandum
DATE:
 February 24, 2025
TO:
Councilmember Conchas
FROM:
Rick St. John, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT:
CIOSI – Fireworks Ban
This memorandum has been drafted to outline the scope of work for Councilmember Conchas’
Council Item of Special Interest (CIOSI) related to banning fireworks within the City of Glendale.
Problem Statement:
The use of permissible fireworks continues to cause life safety issues for the citizens of
Glendale. The use of these fireworks strains public safety resources, negatively impacts our
environment and air quality, and negatively affects residents with PTSD, veterans, individuals
with sensory sensitivities, and pets.
Goals:

Determine the full impact of fireworks on Glendale’s public safety, environment, and
community well-being.

Identify legal pathways to challenge Arizona’s restrictions on municipal fireworks bans.

Explore placing a fireworks ban as a charter amendment on a future ballot.

Assess potential litigation strategies to argue for local control over public safety and
environmental regulations.
Deliverables:
1. Legal Review: Request the City Attorney’s office to analyze the feasibility of a charter
amendment and potential litigation strategy.
2.   Data Collection: Work with Glendale Fire, Police, and Environmental Departments to
compile statistics on firework-related incidents and health impacts.
3.   Public Engagement: Gather community input and assess voter support for a charter
amendment banning fireworks.
Timeline:
Staff would need 2-3 months to compile the data, engage the community, and complete the
legal review.

MISSION: We improve the lives of the people we serve every day.
Community     I     Integrity     I     Excellence     I     Innovation     I     Learning
Administration:
Staff would likely be able to complete the legal review and data collection in fairly short order
using minimal time. Setting up and attending meetings to engage the community would require
approximately 30-40 hours of staff time depending on the number of meetings needed.