[04/22/03]A Monroe, La., businessman is seeking a change in Vicksburg’s code to lower the minimum age to buy fireworks.

Today, no one under the age of 21 can buy fireworks inside the city, although state law lists a minimum age of 12. Rick Shaw, who owns a fireworks business in Louisiana, asked the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen Monday for a variance to that law so that he can open a store on Clay Street near Beechwood.

Shaw pointed out that temporary fireworks vendors operated near county intersections during holiday seasons are not subject to the city’s more restrictive code.

“It would be difficult for us to open up a business there and compete with a tent across the street,” Shaw said.

In addition to restricting the age of a person who can purchase fireworks, the city code also limits where fireworks can be sold or fired.

Inside the city, the sale of fireworks is prohibited at temporary businesses, and shooting fireworks within 200 feet of a church, school, hospital or commercial zone is illegal.

“I understand what you’re asking for, but I don’t think that just because the county has less restrictive ordinances is a reason for us to reduce our laws,” said Mayor Laurence Leyens.

In Warren County, outside the City of Vicksburg, only the state statute applies. State law also restricts when fireworks can be sold to between June 15 and July 5 and between Dec. 5 and Jan. 2.

Normally, city codes cannot supersede state law, but a section in the state code allows cities and counties to adopt their own rules, including fireworks bans if desired.

North Ward Alderman Gertrude Young, who was serving on the board in 1994 when the city’s law was adopted, said the fireworks code was written for fire safety. City Attorney Nancy Thomas also said the board cannot give a variance to the code for Shaw, but would have to change the existing age requirement in the law.

Changing the code would take at least 30 days. Leyens asked that Police Chief Tommy Moffett and Fire Chief Keith Rogers make recommendations to the board by Friday when a decision will be made.

Separately, plans are being made for a second Fourth of July celebration downtown. City officials say the fireworks show that attracted thousands of people last year will be in the same location, just above the former Levee Street Depot, and will feature music by the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

In other matters the city board:

Swore in new police officer Riley W. Nelson Jr.

Appointed the Rev. Casey Fisher to the Vicksburg Zoning Board.

Authorized final payment to Dirtworks Inc. of Vicksburg for completion of the Crawford Street parking lot on Washington Street.

Announced plans to hold a dance for teens between 9 p.m. and midnight Friday at City Park.

Approved a variance to the city’s landscaping requirements for property on North Washington Street.

Set an appeal from the Vicksburg Zoning Board for 10 a.m. May 19 at City Hall Annex.

Approved a $250 sponsorship advertisement for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi.

Approved a $175 advertisement for a new city map by Southern Engineering GPP Inc.

In a 2-0 decision with Leyens abstaining, approved an agreement with Fairway Developers LLC for more expensive lighting in the Savannah Hills subdivision off Indiana Avenue. The developer will pay the additional cost of about $800 for the first three years, but the city will take over full maintenance after three years.

Approved special assessments on properties for demolition and site clearance.

Approved the purchase of a new vehicle for use in the street department at a cost of $17,350.

Authorized the city clerk to advertise for sealed bids for gas lights and poles and a frame-type dump trailer.

Approved the claims docket.

The city board will meet again at 10 a.m. Friday at City Hall Annex.