Roseburg City Council to Consider Fireworks Ban, Urban Campground Proposal
Roseburg City Council meets tonight, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. to consider buying a 2.56-acre site on S.E. Stephens St. for use as an urban campground and discussing a possible citywide fireworks ban over fire safety concerns. Public comments are welcome in person, by email, or via Zoom.
ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Roseburg City Council meets tonight, Monday, Sept. 22, beginning with a closed Executive Session at 6 p.m. before its regular public meeting at 7 p.m.
Executive Session
According to the City, the Executive Session will involve a property discussion and the review of records exempt from disclosure. The session is not open to the public, and no decisions can be made during this portion of the meeting.
Regular Session
At 7 p.m., the Council will convene its regular meeting. The agenda includes:
- Mayoral reports on selecting a voting delegate for the League of Oregon Cities business meeting.
- A decision on whether to release the City Council investigation report.
- A property acquisition proposal to purchase a 2.56-acre site at 1899 S.E. Stephens St. for $675,000. If approved, the property would be used as an urban campground for people experiencing homelessness.
- Discussion of a possible fireworks ban in Roseburg, which would prohibit the sale, possession, and use of fireworks within city limits.
Fireworks Ban Background
City staff cite fire and life safety concerns as reasons for considering a ban. Officials say the move would reduce the risk of catastrophic fires and lower the overall threat to community safety.
Several Oregon cities and jurisdictions have already enacted similar bans, including Portland, Milwaukie, Eugene, Ashland, Bend, The Dalles, Yachats, Waldport, and Depoe Bay, along with areas of Grants Pass, Medford, unincorporated Lane and Lincoln counties, and all Oregon State beaches, parks, and campgrounds.
Portland adopted its citywide ban in 2022 following escalating wildfire risks and a 2021 apartment fire caused by fireworks that killed three people.
Public Participation
Community members may comment on the proposals in several ways:
- In person at City Hall, 900 S.E. Douglas Ave.
- By emailing info@roseburgor.gov before noon on the day of the meeting.
- Via Zoom by contacting 541-492-6866 or info@roseburgor.gov before noon.
How to Watch
The meeting can be viewed in person, streamed live on the City website at bit.ly/3vPEoN7, or through City of Roseburg Government channels. Video recordings are also posted to the City’s website the following day.
For the full agenda, visit: tinyurl.com/4ubeybx7.
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