Latest news with #Guidotti
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Galt updates fireworks ordinance in effort to defuse potential damage
Apr. 17—In an effort to ensure property isn't damaged and people are not injured on Independence Day, the City of Galt is cracking down on illegal fireworks. The Galt City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an updated ordinance that mandates illegal fireworks are prohibited, and that anyone in violation could be fined as much as $1,000. In addition, the ordinance states that property owners who host individuals using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for each individual device, facing fines of as much as $1,000 for each one. An officer who responds to an incident will have the authority to confiscate and destroy any firework on the property, including the "Safe and Sane" devices. TJ Guidotti, the city's code enforcement supervisor, said Galt's current ordinance regarding fireworks had not been updated in about 10 years, and Tuesday's action was to ensure reduction of the risk of fire, injuries and other damages. Updating the ordinance would also strengthen partnerships between Galt Police and Cosumnes Fire departments, whose officers and firefighters are typically busy during the days surrounding the Fourth of July holiday. "(Activities vary) From making sure every firework stand is licensed, every box being sold has the State Fire Marshal's stamp on it, and that at any given time these fireworks stands could be inspected," Guidotti said. Safe and Sane fireworks are the only devices allowed within the Galt city limits, and can only be sold, used or transported between noon on June 28 and 5 p.m. on July 5. Selling Safe and Sane fireworks also requires a city license. Safe and Sane fireworks are ground-based devices that do not fly or explode, such as fountains, sparklers, and certain types of ground spinners. Councilman Tim Reed, who has spent 27 years as a firefighter and EMT, said the 4th of July is one of the most stressful days for first responders because of the amount of incidents to which they report. "Anytime we can do something ahead of time to address things like this would be great," he said. "Just last Fourth of July, I sat watching fireworks and I saw houses on fire in Sacramento, and they didn't have units to send because they were all out responding to other things." Mayor Shawn Farmer said the ordinance was not designed to punish residents who use legal fireworks, adding he had friends who lost homes last summer, most likely due to illegal devices. "We're not here as a city council or city to cut in on the right to celebrate a patriotic holiday," he said. "We just ask that you use fireworks that are allowed, and not be reckless." The ordinance's adoption comes as Cosumnes Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez reported Tuesday that there is a risk of a wildfire breaking out in the rural areas of Galt, as well as near seasonal waterways. However, he said any wildfire that ignites in the area will not be as disastrous as those in Altadena and Palisades, which were located in very high hazard zones. "We don't have any of those in Sacramento County," he said. "We have some moderate areas and areas of influence, but we don't have significant potential like they do in Palisades, where from sea level to the top of palisades is 2,000 feet of elevation. We're pretty flat here." Rodriguez said his staff responds to as many as 30 fires between Galt and Elk Grove around the Independence Say holiday. Crews typically respond to a few incidents on a normal day throughout the year, and answering more than 20 in a single day can be a lot to handle, he said. However, Rodriguez said Galt has 9 million gallons of water in storage that can be used to fight any fire that breaks out, and 1,152 working fire hydrants. He said his staff is currently working on a schedule to inspect each hydrant on an annual basis instead of the five year cycle currently in place.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Residents pushing for more lenient property codes in Galt
Apr. 8—GALT — Several residents urged Galt city leaders to consider changing an ordinance last week that would allow them to keep boats, trailers and RVs on their properties. Currently, Galt's city code does not allow trailers, RVs, boats or inoperable vehicles on front lawns or driveways, or in side yards or backyards if they are large enough to hinder emergency access. The code also does not allow people to sleep in trailers, campers or motor homes that are parked on residential properties. The Galt City Council last week received a presentation to consider changing the code so residents could keep such vehicles in their driveways or side yards as long as they are registered and operable, with no flat tires or broken windows. "Our goal is to get to a point of compliance," code enforcement supervisor TJ Guidotti said. "Our goal is not to make people homeless, but we have to address this. We have to be consistent across the board." Guidotti said there are six cases of people living in RVs, on residential properties, that his department is currently investigating, all of which were complaint driven. He added that as much as 80% of the cases code enforcement investigates begin as public nuisance complaints. "Even when the RV is in compliance — it's in the backyard, it meets setbacks — we get calls about someone living back there," he said. Last week's presentation was also an opportunity for residents to weigh in about the ordinance. Guidotti said an RV in a driveway can potentially hurt property values, as those looking to buy a house perceive a visible vehicle as a negative aesthetic factor, especially if it's large or poorly maintained. He added that the vehicles, along with boats or trailers, could deter potential buyers from considering the purchase of a nearby home, and that vehicles parked prominently in the driveway for extended periods can impact a property's overall curb appeal. "SUVs, full-sized pickup trucks or vans are all legal to park in your driveway, and they can block your view just as much, and in many cases, more than a boat or an RV," resident David Givens said. "They're not more of an obscurant than other vehicles." Rich Lozano was one of a handful of residents who supported keeping the ordinance in place, stating it was not merely a set of regulations, but the city's commitment to preserving the quality of life, property values and aesthetic appeal in Galt. "As many of you know, I'm not one for the government telling me what to do, in any case," he said. "However, I think this is a case of quality of life. Front lawns and driveways littered with boats, trailers and inoperative vehicles create an unsightly environment that affects all residents. Such conditions can lead to a sense of neglect and disorder, undermining the pride we take in the community's appearance." David Bruckner said many Galtonians do not have the ability or space to store their vehicles elsewhere, and added that he did not know of any studies or reports that proved they increased or decreased property values. "We don't have a big enough side yard or backyard," he said. "I'm hoping you can make some exceptions to allow us to keep our property on our property, whether it's the back yard or front yard, as long as it's not leaking or presents some other safety issue." Keith Jones also supported keeping the ordinance as is, stating large vehicles in driveways or side yards are not only aesthetically unappealing, but can cause safety concerns among residents. A homeless individual, he said, could sleep in an uncovered boat without a property owner knowing, or a prowler could hide between bushes and vehicles in the middle of the night. "It's not the city's right to be judge and jury on deciding whether something is nice or acceptable to be in a yard," he said. "That's why (the ordinance) needs to be black and white. Hence, the code, for 30 years, has always been we don't allow it." The council was not tasked with approving or denying Guidotti's presentation, but vice mayor Paul Sandhu called for the issue to be placed on a future agenda for further discussion, given mayor Shawn Farmer was unable to attend last week's meeting. "All the comments (from the public) are very important to me, and they are very important to the rest of the council," he said. "Every council member can have a chance to review this. This is a big decision, and I'd like to make that decision with all five of us present."
