(Atlantic, IA) – The Atlantic City Council, during their meeting Wednesday evening (May 20), passed a resolution setting the dates for the 2026 4th of July Holiday fireworks use, as Thursday, July 2nd, Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 4th. The hours for allowable fireworks on July 2nd are from 5-until 11-p.m. Their decision followed nearly 10-minutes of discussion, which included concerns over noise (if Sunday, July 5th had been included), and the mess created through the use of fireworks devices.
Councilman Mike McDermott…
On May 19, 2025 Governor Reynolds signed a bill that terminated the ability of both counties and cities to regulate the use fireworks use on July 3rd, July 4th and December 31st. The law allows a city council ordinance or resolution, to prohibit or limit the use of consumer or display of fireworks & related novelties, as on any days other than July 3rd, July 4th, and December 31st. The City has right to enforce its Code of Ordinances regarding fireworks for any other dates, and misuse of fireworks, such as near the hospital, nursing homes, the schools and other restricted areas.
In other business, the Atlantic City Council passed a resolution in support of the YMCA’s Community Development Project and authorize participation in the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Program Application that will be, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The City of Atlantic will serve as the applicant for funding through the CAT Grant Program.
The proposed YMCA project is part of a broader community investment effort, and is part of the project has a cost exceeding $20 million. The resolution also outlines the City’s anticipated financial participation in the project, currently estimated at approximately $4,685,442.
The Council held a Public Hearing on the sale of a City-owned lot at 411 Birch Street, to a couple from Harlan, in the amount of One-dollar. Afterward, having heard no objections, they passed a resolution approving the bid from Paul & Kristi Wegner, who intend to clear trees from the lot, and build at $300,000 home.
The Council then acted to pass an Order approving the closing of 6th Street, between Poplar Street and the alley, on June 1st from 3-until 6-p.m., for the Atlantic Public Library’s Summer kick-off event, and they passed an Order to accept a County-held Tax Certificate, as part of the City’s ongoing demolition program.
In his report to the Council, Mayor Rob Clausen had some good news for persons who like to travel on 22nd Street, in Atlantic.
He also had good news, with regard to the City of Atlantic’s Sunnyside Pool and Splash Pad.
The Mayor also praised the efforts of some young people, to keep the City clean.
And finally, the Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, approved the reappointment of Councilman Dana Halder to the Airport Tall Structure Zoning Board of Adjustment.
