2007 Fireworks Letter
May 30, 2007
West Bloomfield Trustees
Brickner, Macon, Sher, and Spector
Dear Trustees
For the last thirty five years Upper Straits Lake has celebrated Independence Day with a fireworks display over the lake. Of course, it’s an American Tradition and it’s our tradition on Upper Straits Lake as well. Our lake families and their friends look forward to this special event each year and rightfully so, as the Fourth of July is a time for celebration.
For the past thirty five years our fee for the fireworks display has been $100 which was returned to our fireworks display manager, Joe LaVerdi, after the event. Joe has handled our event for the thirty five years.
Last year, 2006, the fee was raised to $1115. It was explained that the fee would be returned after the fireworks event. THE $1115 FEE WAS NOT RETURNED AND THERE WAS NO REASON GIVEN.
This year the 2007 is again $1115 and has been paid to the West Bloomfield Fire Dept.
The cost for the Upper Straits Lake fireworks display is funded through donations from our residents on our lake. The fee of $1115 last year caused a large reduction to the size and duration of our display. We anticipate that it will cause the same or greater reduction this year.
We are all taxpayers who pay the costs of the fire department, roads, schools, city government, etc. Why should we be charged an additional tax/fee for what we all consider an American Tradition!
What is the fee of $1115 supposed to be for? Why wasn’t it returned as promised!
From my point of view, the fire department either waits for an alarm to go off at the fire station or because of the fire department requirements, the fire crew must be on site at the fireworks display. Either way, they wait at the station or they sit in the truck on site waiting for an alarm. WHERE IS THE ADDITIONAL COST INCURRED? Fuel to drive to the fireworks display site, which is round trip of approximately14 miles, shouldn’t cost more than $100.
So is the fee punitive to limit Independence Day fireworks displays or is it to cover expenses to drive the crew around the city? But isn’t that what we pay taxes for.
What is more American than a Fourth of July Fireworks celebration. Our entire lake population looks forward to the event each year. Family picnics are held in anticipation of the finale of the evening, the fireworks display. Why the change of heart? Why the decision to change the fee from $100 that is returned to $1115 which is retained?
We, the general public and fire department taxpayers, would like to know!
Some fees are waived and others are not. Why was Independence Day fireworks display chosen for non waiver of the fee?
Why change the precedent of the past thirty five years!
Jim Cherfoli
On behalf of Upper Straits Lake residents
Cc Oakland Press
West Bloomfield Beacon
