Deer Park Council Reviews Fireworks Ban Request, Development Concerns

The Deer Park City Council addressed a wide range of issues during their May 20 meeting, including calls for tighter fireworks restrictions, questions about development permitting, and concerns over future data center construction in the city. The meeting began with an announcement regarding Mayor Tim Verzal and city operations. Verzal, who was absent at the meeting, submitted a letter that was read at the meeting, sharing that he was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He said he will continue to serve as mayor, although he may need to be absent from time to time for treatment. Councilmember Billy Costello is mayor pro-tem and will aid with any specific mayoral duties in Verzal’s absence. However, the council stated that the city will continue to operate as normal. During public com- ment, one resident raised safety concerns about traffic along neighborhood crossings, saying vehicles had driven onto sidewalks and into nearby areas where children walk. He also asked the city for more direct coordination and guidance related to development planning around the Veterans Memorial Park and the Veterans of Foreign Wars property, saying he hoped the city could help streamline engineering and infrastructure requirements for the project. Council members discussed whether the city should play a larger role in assisting private development projects. One council member noted that, while applicants are free to hire private engineers, city staff cannot prioritize one private project ahead of others. The council also heard from Princess Aubrey Longly with the Deer Park Royalty program, who described recent travel and appearances representing Deer Park throughout the state, Idaho and Canada. Council members thanked the group for promoting the city and participating in events. The council approved Resolution 2026-003, updating city fees, with a brief discussion on how fees generally increase rather than decrease over time. The resolution ultimately passed unanimously. The consent agenda was also approved, including $331,189.82 in claims and checks for the first half of May, and a use agreement between the Deer Park Municipal Airport and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. One of the more extensive topics focused on how the growth of artificial intelligence has fueled demand for largescale data centers across Washington state, raising the possibility of future data center development in Deer Park. The council discussed that, while data centers can significantly expand a city’s tax base, they can also place heavy demands on water and electrical infrastructure. One member urged the city to review its zoning and development codes before a developer formally proposes such a project. Council members agreed the issue may warrant future discussion and a code review. The council also heard two letters concerning fireworks safety. One resident wrote to city officials expressing concern about the annual 4th of July celebrations near housing for elderly and disabled residents, saying tenants spend hours worried about wildfire danger. A second letter from Spokane County Fire District 4 Fire Marshal Jared Harms formally urged the city to ban the sale and discharge of fireworks within Deer Park city limits. Harms cited wildfire risk, injury concerns, strain on emergency services, and impacts on veterans, elderly residents, and pets. He referenced drought conditions and noted that Spokane County has prohibited fireworks for more than three decades. “In light of these considerations, I strongly urge the city of Deer Park to enact a comprehensive ban,” the letter stated. Council members discussed whether changes could legally be implemented before this year’s 4th of July season. City officials said further legal review would be needed, but the issue is expected to return on the next meeting agenda. The next Deer Park City Council meeting is scheduled for June 3, at 7 p.m. at city hall.