For the past seven years, Webster City was treated to a fireworks display — provided by Van Diest Supply Company and its vendor, Premier Pyrotechnics of Richland, Missouri.
Even though the Fourth of July is still several months away, it could be a scramble to find a new vendor to provide the celebration.
It was the first topic addressed by the City Council of Webster City in their latest meeting, which took place on Monday at the Council Chambers of City Hall, 400 Second St. in Webster City.
A letter was recently sent over to the City of Webster City and the Daily Freeman-Journal from Bob Van Diest, Chairman of Van Diest Supply Company.
“I spoke briefly with Bob and thanked him for his previous sponsorships of the show,” said Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez, city manager. “As for right now, we would not have a show, like the past few years.”
For the time being, the immediate future of the fireworks show — traditionally held beyond Webster City High School — remains to be seen.
“Van Diest Supply Company has provided the Fourth of July fireworks for our community for the past seven years,” Van Diest said in the letter. “We regret that we will not be able to do (the fireworks) this coming Fourth of July, as the company that has been doing this for us…cannot find adequate staffing to provide the display. They have always done an excellent job for us.”
According to Premier Pyrotechnics, the person who handled the fireworks display passed away in 2020. The company also relayed that the shoot team for the 2021 and 2022 shows were no longer available.
“We just do not have enough staff to create another shoot team,” said Jo Ann Webb, administrator for Premier Pyrotechnics.
Van Diest also revealed that since receiving the initial letter from Premier Pyrotechnics on Nov. 14, 2022, the local chemical plant had searched for a new pyrotechnics contractor. The search had difficulties in finding such an outfit.
“I have tried to find another vendor to do this, and I have not found a suitable replacement,” Van Diest said. “Sorry we cannot provide the fireworks again this year.”
Before addressing the letter, the council was presented with an electric system study and rate analysis. The presentation took up the majority of the council’s 54 minute meeting.
The council then tabled a public hearing on proposed specifications and form of contract for its advanced metering infrastructure project until April 3, and set a public hearing date for the consideration of the city’s max tax levy for the 2023-2024 budget. The public hearing is also set for April 3.
Before moving into closed session and adjourning, the council agreed to a three-year agreement with Midwest Injection for a biosolids removal and land application project for the Wastewater Treatment Facility and passed a resolution on a change order related to the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project.
The council also passed a resolution making budget amendments to offset additional tree material chipped by J Pettiecord and addressed a proposal from Dean Bowden regarding Wilson Brewer Historic Park. The latter also concerned the joint work session with the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, set for next Monday.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 3.
View this article as it originally appeared in the Daily Freeman-Journal.
Last modified: March 22, 2023