[Updated 10/7] (Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, approved a fireworks display contract, an exemption for chickens within the City limits, and an Order approving a 28-E (Cost sharing) Agreement with Cass County, for the rehabilitation of a bridge.

Following discussion with regard to a 2022 4th of July fireworks display, and presentation from two local men who wish to put on a fireworks show, the Council voted 5-to 2, to award a contract to Wild Wayne’s owner Jason O’Brien, contingent upon his getting ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) approval and passage of what’s called an “Igniter’s class,” which is coming up in a few weeks.

He has not yet received his license/permit. O’Brien has proposed having a 20-minute show for $10,000. Another local provider, Dan Vargason, had offered to conduct a 20- to 40-minute show for $8,800. Vargason also sells fireworks locally.

Vargason is also awaiting approval from ATF approval, which typically takes about 90 days once the application is filed. Both shows would use an electronic firing system. On a side note, the Council approved Wild Wayne’s shooting off fireworks whenever there is a touchdown by the Atlantic Trojans, during their homecoming game Friday night, against Knoxville.

The Council considered, and approved by a vote of 5 to 2, a request for an exemption to allow chickens within City Limits. Brad and Sara Strouth live at 1609 E. 22nd Street. The couple has eight laying hens on their 2.35-acres of land just south of East Ridge Park.  The City’s Code Enforcement Officer, Kris Erickson, said she had received two complaints from neighbors, but the complaints were with regard to the chickens being in violation of City Code, not because of an odor. A clause in the Ordinance does allow for the Council to use its discretion in granting exemptions. If someone wishes to have those types of animals in the City, they must show her proof of the Council’s approval, such as a permit.

The two councilmen who opposed the exemption, Dick Casady and Gerald Brink, both stated they were against it because the Ordinance already prohibits chickens and other farm animals inside the city. Council woman Grace Garrett said the decision to allow or disallow, should be on a case-by-case basis.

Brink said the Ordinance is clear, but it should have been amended long ago.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council approved an Order to close certain streets on Friday, Oct. 8th, between 2:15-p.m. and 3:30-p.m., for the Homecoming Parade. The parade line’s-up and begins at 10th and Linn. From there it proceeds west to Chestnut Street, then north to 3rd Street. The participants will then proceed east to Walnut, and south to 6th Street before the event concludes.

And, in his report to the Council, City Administrator John Lund addressed complaints the City has received with regard to vulgar political signs on private property. He said the under the First Amendment, the City cannot legally order such signs to be removed, but it can strongly suggest it or ask the signs be re-worded to be less offensive. Kris Erickson said she approached the property owner(s) in question, and asked them to consider removing their sign(s), but they refused. The only way signs can legally be removed from private property, according to Lund, is if it incites violence against a person (especially a government official), or if it is deemed to be pornographic.

Dick Casady alluded to possible future consequences persons with vulgar signs may face…