By Michael S. Hoey
Correspondent
The Delavan-Darien School Board last week approved allowing the City of Delavan to host its July 4 fireworks show at the high school. The General Operations Committee – which had been waiting on the school board’s June 8 decision – so approved it the next day.
The city was interested in moving the fireworks from its usual location near Lake Comus due to concerns about a lack of space for social distancing at Veteran’s Park. If the school district had said no, the city was prepared to investigate holding the fireworks on the airport property at Lake Lawn Resort. If neither alternative site worked, the committee was considering canceling the fireworks.
The high school was considered the best option because there is more space to spread out and ample space in the parking lot for people to watch the fireworks without leaving their vehicle, if they so choose.
Business Administrator Anthony Klein outlined the liability concerns with hosting the fireworks on school district property and said it was his role to protect the district as much as possible. Klein said the district’s insurance company and risk management company agreed the fireworks could be allowed as long as the fireworks company or city carried a $10 million insurance policy for the event, which the company does have.
Other stipulations included coordinating with the fire department, having the police department present to provide on-site security and direct parking, and have some staff members on the roofs of the high school and middle school to be certain no damage is done to the building.
Police Chief Jim Hansen said parking will be allowed only in the parking lot, not on any grass surfaces. Board member Doreen Grams was concerned about people parking on the grass, especially near Phoenix Middle School.
“I appreciate your willingness to work with us,” Hansen told the board.
Read more coverage from the meeting in the June 18 Delavan Enterprise.
