Pullman Councilmember Nathan Weller reversed his previous proposal to ban WSU firework launches during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, instead suggesting the city help WSU boost communication regarding fireworks.
During a period for open comment early in the meeting, Weller said one concern he received from community members was the lack of information about when fireworks shows would occur at WSU.
“Some have argued that the information is on the WSU website or through Cougs sports on Cougs social media,” Weller said. “However, not everyone follows WSU or searches through their websites. I feel extending the reach of these communications on our own website and social media channels can provide additional notice and may even increase attendance for WSU events.”
The City of Pullman does not actively post or promote information related to most WSU events on its website, including WSU fireworks. Weller said he contacted the Municipal Research Service Center and said they did not anticipate any issues with sharing WSU information online. Weller said he shared that information with City Attorney Thad O’ Sullivan.
Weller’s comments came on the heels of a statement from fellow council member Pat Wright, who voiced her dissatisfaction with the direction of the fireworks discussion at the previous July 8 council meeting. Weller brought the fireworks issue to the attention of the Council during that meeting, leveling his concern for nearly five minutes.
Wright was absent from that meeting due to a family emergency.
“My disappointment is in the fact that we have a very strong and vital relationship with our partner Washington State University and I felt that the way that discussion went forward certainly did not show the level of that relationship,” Wright said.
Wright acknowledged that groups in the Pullman community may have issues with fireworks, but said “the problems are not ongoing, they’re scheduled.”
Wright also took issue with Weller calling out former WSU Chancellor Dave Cillay, whom Weller said he met with about the issue and Cillay told him he had never heard of the issue.
“Calling out a WSU administrator at a luncheon about the fireworks was not appropriate,” Wright said. “Bringing it out to the attention of all of our viewers, our constituency, without having had some detailed discussion with WSU, was not appropriate.”
Weller apologized for his comments on Cillay.
After speaking with constituents and former Cougs, Weller said he received various suggestions including drone shows, low-decibel fireworks, singular end-of-season shows and no firework launches at all.
Despite the various concerns and perspectives in the community discussion, Weller closed his speech with optimism for the discussion going forward.
“I truly feel that while this discussion is a difficult topic to broach, it will ultimately lead to an even better future collaboration and open further doors,” Weller said. “At the very least, we as the city of Pullman can provide better notice of when the fireworks shows happen to better inform our community and help them be prepared.”
Mayor Francis Benjamin announced a public hearing on fireworks will be held at the next city council meeting on Aug. 12.
