Warrenton aldermen said it may be time for police officers to stop chasing noise and to eliminate a year-round ban on fireworks.City officials last week expressed a willingness to allow fireworks to be used legally during a short window of time around the Fourth of July holiday.Currently the sale, use, discharge or exploding of any fireworks in Warrenton is prohibited. Someone caught using fireworks within the city limits faces a fine up to $500 for each offense.A new ordinance is expected to be reviewed at a future board of aldermen meeting and could occur as soon as the next one scheduled for Tuesday night, Feb. 16.Ward 2 Alderman Gary Auch noted that his daughter suggested ending the ban after participating in a ride-along program with a police officer.“My perspective on this is, if you try to limit it to a certain time period, most of the people will get it out of their system,” he said. “Maybe it’s easier to control it that way. Every time a patrol car is around it’s quiet.”Karen Casserly, Ward 1 alderman, expressed concerns about safety and noise, but was open to a time period that limited usage, such as between dusk and 10 p.m.Last year, Wentzville began allowing residents to use fireworks from 5 to 10 p.m. on July 4, though only on private property.“I don’t want people to think it’s an all-night thing,” she said.Police Chief Greg Houdyshell said around 20 calls are responded to a night related to fireworks use, but that each response ends up in an officer making five contacts. He recommended a zero-tolerance approach in regards to those who are caught using fireworks during the time when usage is banned.“If you’re using fireworks, you’re getting a ticket and we’re taking your stuff,” Houdyshell remarked. “I think that sends a strong message.”The police chief noted that his department has limited manpower around the July 4 holiday with officers assisting with traffic control at the Warren County Fair.“It’s really difficult for us to track them down,” Houdyshell said. “Like your daughter experienced, it’s us running around and chasing our tails for three or four hours.”Mayor Eric Schleuter said dealing with fireworks calls also keeps police officers from dealing with other issues, such as drunk drivers.Fireworks