Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving a firework display permit application for a firework display at the Killeen Municipal Court on December 5, 2025.
Body
DATE: November 4, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Wallis Meshier, Executive Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Fireworks Display Permit Application
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Section 11-6 of the Killeen Code of Ordinances provides that the City Council may permit the use of fireworks for public display. The ordinance requires an applicant to provide the following information: name of person/group sponsoring the display; evidence of financial responsibility naming the City as an additional insured; date and time of the display; confirmation of a permit from the State of Texas; the approximate number and kinds of fireworks to be discharged; the manner and place of storage; and a detailed diagram of the area of this display.
On September 7, 2025, the City of Killeen received a permit application via Development Services Department from Magic Display Pyrotechnics FX for public fireworks display on December 5, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The proposed location for firework setup is the city owned parking lot at the rear of the Killeen Municipal Court. The public fireworks display will be held in conjunction with a downtown event hosted by the City of Killeen celebrating Holiday Under the Stars Festival & Tree Lighting.
The applicant indicated the number and size of fireworks to be discharged and that they will be stored at the operator’s location in Copperas Cove until the day of the display at which time they will be stored in a trailer at the site during setup. A diagram was also provided. Number & Size of Shells to be discharged: 1" & 2" 1.4-gram fireworks for close proximity show, consisting of 20 Comets, 20 Meteors, 20 Mines, 20 Slices, and 12 Cakes. Based on the display size, a State permit is not required.
The Killeen Fire Marshal and other staff have reviewed the application for compliance with fire codes.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Deny the fireworks display permit application.
2. Approve the fireworks display permit application with specific stipulations.
3. Approve the fireworks display permit application as submitted.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends approving the permit application as the proposed fireworks display will be a part of the scheduled downtown Holiday Under the Stars Festival & Tree Lighting.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This action confirms to city ordinances and policies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
There is no expenditure associated with the approval or denial of a public display of fireworks permit application.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
N/A
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the permit application for a firework display on December 5, 2025.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Fire Department
Police Department
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Application
Presentation