(Editor’s note: Minden City Council passed several end-of-year ordinances and other important issues that require in-depth stories. Please watch your Webster Parish Journal for stories more these issues.)
By Bonnie Culverhouse
As 2024 draws to a close, Minden’s City Council enacted several ordinances during its final meeting of the year, including one that affects how you celebrate the new year.
Ordinance No. 1151, unanimously adopted by the council, not only places restrictions on fireworks retail sales but also on usage before, during and after certain “holidays.”
Portions of the new ordinance read as follows:
“… To the discharging of permissible fireworks between June 12th and July 5th, inclusive, and December 15th and January 1st, inclusive.
“Other restrictions of retail sales or use. Fireworks shall not be discharged prior to 8:00 a.m. nor later than 10 p.m. (Exception – New Year’s Eve 8:00 a.m. to 1: a.m. on January 1st.)”
Permit applications may be acquired for special events and may be obtained at Minden City Hall. Penalties apply.
Other portions of the same ordinance are fire related and include Fire Prevention and Protection, Private Water Sources, Access Box System, Security Gates and Limited Access Gates and Fire Alarm Systems.
In other business, the council voted unanimously to do the following:
• Adopt a resolution authorizing Mayor Nick Cox to execute and submit documents pertaining to the DRA Fiscal Year 2024 grant and guarantee the City of Minden provides matching funds;
• Award a bid for an aerial bucket truck;
• Adopt a resolution regarding a lease purchase agreement to finance an aerial bucket truck;
• Adopt a resolution to adjust salaries of the Mayor, Chief of Police, Ward Marshal and City Judge on January 1, 2027;
• Adopt an ordinance addressing part-time fire chief, part-time assistant fire chief, part-time Minden district fire chiefs;
• Adopt ordinance covering offenses affecting tampering with, operating and obstructing fire hydrants;
• Adopt ordinance concerning the sale of adjudicated properties by public auction; and,
• An agreement for Mayor Cox to enter into an agreement for professional services between the City of Minden and Atlas Community Studios LLC.