Minutes 02-16-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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47 Steve Hopper said the News of Northern Orange is free to everyone. He asked if the Sheriff could comment on the proposed ordinance. Sheriff Blackwood said all too often there are polarized sections and a plan needs to be made as how to address this issue together. He said regarding notification, it is incumbent upon citizens to be interested and involved in local government. He said the BOCC and the Sheriff are available to speak with the residents at all times. He said to come at the eleventh hour, when this has been discussed for two years, is not right. He said an ordinance is not needed to address lawful, responsible, firing of a weapon on one's property. He said property damaged by errant rounds can be addressed by existing laws. He said the Lenoir County ordinance strikes him as reasonable and responsible and he encouraged all to read it. He said he is going to enforce any adopted ordinances. He said he respects the BOCC and the diligence with which it works on every decision it makes. He said he does not want to take anyone's rights away. He enjoys shooting and does so responsibly. He said there was a need for an ordinance, one was drafted that was imperfect, and now all must come together to reach a solution. Commissioner Dorosin said he appreciated this discussion and the goal was to start this conversation to gather feedback. He said this evening is a good beginning and he suggested following up with Commissioner Jacobs' suggestion in order to find some common ground, and achieve the desired balance. Commissioner Pelissier said the public should not make assumptions that all members of the Board live in cities. She said she lives in rural Orange County where she hears target shooting on occasion, which does not bother her at all. She said the role of the BOCC is to protect the health and safety for all residents in Orange County and if an ordinance is needed, it should be reasonable and practical. She said the BOCC should work with the Sheriff to see how many complaints there have been, and then have the Sheriff speak with the County Manager to kick-start this conversation. She expressed thanks to all who spoke this evening, noting the BOCC now has a good understanding of firearms use in rural Orange County. Commissioner Price said she has no intention of taking away anyone's rights, and just because the item is on the agenda, does not mean that she supports it. She said she finds the ordinance to be excessive, and she looks forward to a more reasonable proposal. Commissioner Burroughs said she is a city girl and has learned so much tonight. She said she feels better equipped to evaluate the issue and is very grateful that everyone came to speak this evening. Chair McKee said the Lenoir ordinance has been referred to several times, and he read parts of it. He said he can support an ordinance like this, but not the ordinance that is before the BOCC tonight. He reviewed some of the highlights to which he is opposed. He said he has no sympathy for the irresponsible gun owner. He said he has taken heat on social media for not staking out a position earlier, but he will do so now. He will not support the proposed ordinance, and he would like to see it rejected tonight. He said he agrees with Commissioner Jacobs' suggestion of the proposed work group made up of different stakeholders. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to reconstitute what once was the Orange County Hunting Ordinance work group and call it the Orange County Firearms Safety Committee and stakeholders would include the Orange County Sheriff, a representative from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Department, the County Attorney, the County Manager, and members of the firearms community, as well as individuals who have contacted the Board of County Commissioners who supported this ordinance and those who felt unsafe due to firearms. The group's charge would include, but not necessarily be limited to, the purpose of having an additional County firearms, noise, lot size, cost, posting