Jonesburg residents showed their concerns to city officials about the fireworks ordinance, just two days after the city celebrated Independence Day on July 4.

According to the ordinance, which is Section 210.560, Jonesburg residents are allowed to discharge fireworks from the Saturday before July 4 until the Saturday after July 4. The curfew is 11 p.m. on July 3 and 4 – regardless of the day of the week – and 10 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Since July 4 was on a Saturday this year, residents are permitted to discharge fireworks within a two-week timeframe from June 27 to July 11.

One of the Jonesburg residents, Gabi Glass, spoke during the public comment section at the Jonesburg Board of Aldermen meeting on July 6. She talked about the concerns of residents playing with fireworks within a two-week period.

“I want to be clear that I’m 100 percent not against Independence Day, whatsoever,” Glass said. “I believe we need to have fireworks. I believe in everybody celebrating the 4th of July. That’s totally fine. However, having it for two full weeks is very bad.”

Glass shared her concerns with Alderman Brian Williams by sending him a text. Williams read Glass’ text during the meeting.

“(Glass said) Fireworks continued night after night and night for weeks,” Williams said. “It impacts families with young children, people who work early in the mornings, veterans, pet owners and many other residents. A reasonable time frame and consistent enforcement will allow people to celebrate while respecting the neighbors who call this city our home. I don’t think that’s asking too much.”

Glass was in tears while telling board members that the fireworks issue is affecting her family.

“I understand that people want to celebrate and that’s fine,” Glass said. “But people also need to be respectful of others. They are veterans who can’t handle the noises. I’ve seen it first hand. My son, who is autistic, does not do well with noises. I have a daughter who I share custody with her dad and she does not want to be here during the two weeks because she can’t handle noises either.”

Glass was the only Jonesburg resident to speak about the ordinance. Jonesburg Mayor Bob Sellenriek ended the conversation by telling Glass that board members will talk about what needs to be done to the ordinance at a later date.

“We can’t do anything about changing the ordinance right now,” Sellenriek said. “But we need to take a look at it and come up with some kind of issue.”