Broken Bow council adopts fireworks ordinance, raises vendor liability insurance to $2 million

Broken Bow — The City Council on May 12 adopted Ordinance No. 1224, updating the city's rules for the sale of fireworks and requiring vendors to carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance. The ordinance was adopted after the council voted to suspend the statutory three-reading rule.

Mayor Rod Sonnichsen called the question during final consideration, asking, "Shall Ordinance No. 1224 be passed and adopted?" Councilmember Holcomb moved for final passage with an amendment setting vendor liability insurance at $2,000,000; Councilmember Myers seconded the motion. The measure passed on a roll-call vote with Ayes: Miller, Holcomb, Schmidt and Myers; Nays: None.

The action followed a public hearing that opened at 6:40 p.m. and closed at 7:00 p.m. Council members and members of the public offered views both for and against the proposed fee increase. City minutes record the hearing and the subsequent motion to adopt the ordinance with the insurance amendment.

The ordinance was introduced and considered under the suspended three-reading rule, a procedural step the council approved by the required majority before final passage. The city clerk recorded the passage and attested to the ordinance after the roll-call vote.

The council adjourned at 7:03 p.m. following the ordinance adoption.