Mayor Lunde and City Council members:

Beginning in early June of 2020 our community was subjected to what seemed to be professional quality illegal fireworks that were louder and went longer than ever before. They went on from early evening to all hours of the morning. They did not stop until days after the 4th of July. Illegal fireworks were being shot off in our parks, parking lots, and even from the median of a busy street.

Veterans, young children, scared dogs, and all who love them were traumatized repeatedly and called "Karen" and worse on neighborhood Facebook pages when we complained. We were told to get used to it or move if we didn't like it. 

Citizens calling 911 were told "you are on the list". Homes in densely populated areas were in danger of being burned as their neighbors shot off and incorrectly disposed of illegal fireworks. Much garbage was left behind to be cleaned up by others.

We the following request that the City of Brooklyn Park put some effective plans into place so that we are not subjected to these illegal and disrespectful actions any longer:

1) Everyone in the City needs to be educated as to what fireworks exactly are illegal and what the penalties are for possession and use of illegal fireworks and that these penalties WILL be enforced.

2) An effective plan to respond to complaints in a timely manner needs to be developed. Perhaps the Fire Department or other City employees could respond to the complaints if Police are too busy. 

3) There should be no "warnings". Anyone using illegal fireworks should be cited and fined the maximum allowed. Any and all illegal fireworks in their possession should be confiscated or rendered inoperable.

Thank you for your consideration, we expect this petition to be delivered and discussed at a City Council meeting in the future.