RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, since the 1970's, balloon manufacturers have provided consumers with an alternative to traditional latex balloons in the form of mylar balloons, or balloons made from synthetic, metallized material; and
WHEREAS, in April of 2015, a stray balloon brought to a memorial service became untethered and reached power lines, knocking out the power of multiple businesses and many homes in several Chicago neighborhoods for a period of hours; and
WHERAS, the inconvenience to residents and businesses, and the cost of removing the balloon and restoring power proved to be a significant, yet avoidable, financial burden; and
WHEREAS, other states and municipalities around the country have taken action to inform consumers about mylar balloons through product advisories, and have regulated the use of mylar balloons in the interest of safety for the consumer and the environment; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the city council of Chicago to explore the actions taken by other governments and investigate the possibility of implementing these actions in the city of Chicago; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the city council through its Committee on Public Safety shall conduct one or more hearings and shall invite appropriate parties to address the environmental hazards of mylar balloons and ways to address these dangers.
Margaret Laurino Alderman, 39th Ward