Supervisors to discuss fireworks policy soon

By Brooks Taylor, Mt. Pleasant News

Henry County supervisors will be discussing a county fireworks ordinance/policy soon.

During the supervisors? regular meeting Thursday, County Auditor Shelly Barber said she had an inquiry this week about the county?s policy.

The Iowa Legislature passed a new fireworks law during the 2017 session that allows for the sale and discharge of certain types of fireworks during certain hours and days prior to July 4 and over the Christmas and New Year?s holidays.

Barber said in talks with other county auditors that counties are adopting state code on fireworks. Henry County?s current policy on fireworks followed state code.

The auditor said action is needed quickly because the July 4 holiday is approaching and sales of fireworks can commence on June 1.

Supervisors, after meeting in closed session with Henry County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss, on the purchase of land gave Hotchkiss authority on behalf of the county to purchase unspecified land.

Supervisor Chairman Marc Lindeen, reporting on the meeting of the emergency management board Wednesday night, said Walt Jackson, county emergency management director, is planning a drug-awareness seminar for first responders, firefighters and secondary-roads employees.

Jackson also told the board that an inspector visited recently and commended the county for expanding the uses of the emergency management building.

Lindeen said air-conditioning issues looming at the building may have to be rectified. The current air-conditioning units are 30 years old.

Finally, the county approved a two-year agreement with Henry County Public Health. The agreement, which has been in effect for many years, gives the department a certain amount of autonomy and also lists some of the department?s duties, services and responsibilities.

County supervisors meet again in regular session Tuesday, May 30, at 9 a.m. in the Henry County Courthouse.