(Atlantic, IA) – The Atlantic City Council is expected to act on setting the dates for the 2026 4th of July fireworks use, during their meeting Wednesday evening at City Hall. City Administrator John Lund (in his agenda notes), reminds the Council that on May 19, 2025 Governor Reynolds signed Senate File 303, which terminated the ability of both counties and cities to regulate 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.
“In reality,” Lund says, “the Council has discretion over fireworks on July 2nd and July 5th. If they are allowed to be used, and what times they are used.” After speaking with Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue, Lund said the Police Department’s recommendation is that July 2nd from 5:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M. be set as the extended period of fireworks use (in addition to the aforementioned dates of July 3rd and 4th).
In other business, the Atlantic City Council will act on passing a resolution supporting the YMCA’s Community Development Project and authorize participation in the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Program Application, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The resolution expresses the City Council’s support for the City’s partnership with Vision Atlantic in their YMCA initiative and authorizes the City of Atlantic to serve as the applicant for funding through the Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (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. John Lund notes the Council discussed the CAT grant and the financial support for the project during their May 13, 2026 City Council work session. The proposed project funding utilizes restricted special revenue and proprietary funds that are not available for general operating expenses such as police, fire, library, or recreation operations.
Another part of the Council’s meeting on Wednesday, is 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. The hearing will be followed by action on a resolution to approved the bid from Paul & Kristi Wegner, who intend to clear trees from the lot, and build at $300,000 home.
The Council will then act on an Order approving the closing of 6th Street, between Poplar Street and the alley, on June 1st from 3-untiul 6-p.m., for the Atlantic Public Library’s Summer kick-off event, and the Council will act on an Order to accept a County-held Tax Certificate (requested by City Attorney David Wiederstein & Code Enforcement Officer Kris Ericksen), as part of the City’s ongoing demolition program.
They will also act on approving the reappointment of Councilman Dana Halder to the Airport Tall Structure Zoning Board of Adjustment. Halder has agreed to continue serving on the Board if the Council approves the Mayor’s request to renominate him for the Airport Board.
