CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights City Council considered amendments to the illegal fireworks ordinance at the April 9 meeting.

A social host ordinance has been in effect for a few years, holding property owners financially responsible if illegal fireworks are used on their premises. However, Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) Chief Alex Turcotte said that illegal fireworks “remain a significant city concern,” causing both noise pollution and safety hazards.

Turcotte presented an amendment clarifying that fireworks discharged on sidewalks or streets in front of a home are under the “apparent control” of the property owner, who would then be subject to the fines.

The other proposed amendment was to increase the penalty amounts. Currently, a $750 fine is imposed for the first violation, with each subsequent violation resulting in a $1,000 fine. The change would update the first violation to a $1,000 fine, $2,500 for the second and $5,000 for subsequent violations. The cost for offenders could increase significantly as each illegal firework would be counted as a violation.

Turcotte said the goal was not to make money off this issue, but rather to make the public aware that it is being taken seriously. He said the hope is that increased penalties will deter people from committing these violations.

Councilmember Kelsey Nelson said that using illegal fireworks is “playing with fire,” because it can cause such severe damage.

During public comment, several residents spoke in support of the increased fines.

Although she supports having an ordinance in place, Mayor Karpinski-Costa said, the Citrus Heights Police Department needs to improve its enforcement efforts. Residents often report fireworks activity that has already ended by the time officers arrive, according to the mayor.

Turcotte said that officers cannot be in every location at once, which is why they have various enforcement strategies, including the use of drones and allowing citizens to serve as witnesses to the violations.

The council voted unanimously to approve the amendments to the illegal fireworks ordinance.

City Council members then discussed changing how service stipends are managed for the various regional boards and commissions that councilmembers also take part in.

A recent change in state legislation increased the maximum limit for compensation that councilmembers can receive. Last April, City Council also voted to raise their compensation from the city to that maximum limit of $1,900 per month.

Due to that change, stipends from other boards and commissions can only be accepted if separate statutes govern them.

City attorney Ryan R. Jones explained that the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and the Sacramento Metro Cable Commission do not have separate statutes. So it is illegal for councilmembers to accept those stipends since they are already receiving the maximum allowable compensation. Instead, those stipends could be directed to the city for deposit into the General Fund.

Mayor Karpinski-Costa said she would support allocating all stipends, including those that officials are technically allowed to keep, into the General Fund.

Councilmember Porsche Middleton said they all serve on various boards throughout their terms in office: “We’re all doing the same work.”

Because some boards do not offer stipends, Middleton agreed that it would be fair to put all stipends into the General Fund. According to Middleton, that will ensure that all councilmembers receive equal monthly compensation, regardless of their committee assignments.

The council unanimously approved additional stipends to be deposited into the General Fund.

Amendments to the city manager’s employment agreement were also considered. One recommendation was to amend the base salary to align with the regional average.

City Manager Ashley Feeney was hired for the role in January 2022 and his contract’s terms have not been modified since that time. His performance reviews have been favorable and City Council wants to continue his employment. The proposed contract amendment would provide an annual salary of $290,000 with a $500 monthly vehicle allowance.

City Council voted unanimously to approve the salary increase for Feeney.

Chief Turcotte presented the annual Citrus Heights Police Department report. He highlighted various accomplishments from the past year, including a continued focus on supporting the CARES Campaign and enforcement efforts that enhance quality of life. The Citrus Heights Police Department increased enforcement against illegal drugs and intoxication within the city. Enhanced animal services, community engagement and youth safety programs were also implemented.

Comparing crime statistics from 2023 and 2024, Turcotte said there was a 1% reduction in property crimes. This was significant since there has also been an increase in reporting crimes, due to the city’s focus on retail theft.

Turcotte acknowledged that crimes against persons were up more than 6% and crimes against society (including drugs and weapons) were up 77%. However, Turcotte attributed much of this increase to proactive policing efforts, which have led to a significant rise in arrests. He emphasized that although the numbers may suggest a spike in crime, they actually reflect the positive results of improved law enforcement.

To improve safety around Citrus Heights schools, the Citrus Heights Police Department increased traffic enforcement in those areas. This led to a 63% increase in traffic citations.

“Seeing the numbers reinforces the hard work you all do all the time,” Councilmember Nelson said.

The next scheduled Citrus Heights City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. April 23 at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.