FOLLANSBEE — Follansbee Council approved the first reading for restrictions on the private use of fireworks during the June 13 meeting and will consider its second reading at a special meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the City Building.

Citing complaints of noise and damages from larger fireworks, council agreed to amend an existing ordinance to prohibit the use of those that are propelled into the air.

The ordinance already prohibited use of fireworks in the city after 10 p.m. except on New Year’s Eve and Independence Day, when they may not be used later than 12:30 a.m.

The special meeting has been called so the second reading may be approved before Independence Day.

Limits on pyrotechnics have been considered sporadically since 2016, when the state legislature expanded the type that could be sold in West Virginia to include roman candles, bottle rockets and multi-aerial mine and shell devices.

While broadening the sale of fireworks in the state, legislators have maintained the right for municipalities to restrict or even ban them.

After receiving complaints from neighbors releasing the explosives on multiple nights before holidays, council adopted the current ordinance.

In more recent years, residents told council members and other city officials hot debris from fireworks launched by neighbors has landed in their yards and even burned holes in outdoor decks.

City Fire Chief Larry Rea said fires linked to such debris have been limited to patches of dry grass.

If the amended ordinance is approved, violators would face a fine up to $500, 30 days in jail or both.

In other business, Mayor David Velegol Jr. said he’s received four applications for the position of city manager while noting the deadline for them is Friday.

Velegol said he expects to call another special meeting in the next few weeks to nominate a candidate for council’s consideration.

He noted July 29 is Jack McIntosh’s last day on the job, and he would like his successor to be able to work with him before that date.

“I really want to have a smooth transition. I’m hoping there can be a few weeks of transition between Jack and the new city manager,” said Velegol.