Minutes 03-01-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 BACKGROUND: On February 16, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners directed staff to bring back a proposal regarding the establishment of the Orange County Firearms Safety Committee (modeled after the Orange County Hunting Ordinance work group). Stakeholders would include the Orange County Sheriff, a representative from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Department, County Manager, and community members living in the unincorporated areas of Orange County, including those who own and use firearms and those who do not. The group's charge would include, but not necessarily be limited to, discussing the purpose of additional County firearm regulations, noise, property size, cost, posting of property signs, and safety concerns; and look at similar ordinances in other counties and to advise (or recommend) to the BOCC regarding a course of action regarding firearm regulations in the County. Pending Board action on the Committee, the Clerk will then advertise for residents to apply for potential appointment to the Committee. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The financial impact is to be determined. If the Board decides to direct staff to engage the services of a facilitator for the Committee, then there will be an associated cost. (The Clerk has initially contacted Andy Sachs as a possible facilitator and Mr. Sachs is interested and available to facilitate, if need be.) Commissioner Jacobs suggested adding the Orange County Planning Director or designee, to the technical staff section, in addition to the County Attorney. Commissioner Pelissier suggested not having County Commissioners as members but rather have one Commissioner serve as liaison. Commissioner Price agreed. Chair McKee also agreed. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a definition for liaison. Chair McKee said one that attends and participates in meetings but would not have a vote. Commissioner Pelissier said the Board of County Commissioner member would not be a primary participant but serve as an observer. Chair McKee asked if this would be similar to a technical staff position. Commissioner Pelissier said yes. Commissioner Jacobs said his interpretation would be that the liaison could, or would, give a response, if need be. He said he would be comfortable for the liaison to attend meetings and give some response if matters arise that the Board of County Commissioners may strongly oppose, to offer guidance. Chair McKee said his intent is not to bind the hands of a Commissioner sitting on this committee but to alleviate the perception that a BOCC member would be controlling the conversation. He said the Commissioner should be able to respond and offer insight but not vote. Chair McKee said his main concern is that the Board will vote on final recommendation of this committee. Commissioner Burroughs said she served as a liaison to ABC board where she participated in discussions but did not vote. She said she was able to keep folks on track and keeps the conversation flowing. She said this allows for an ultimate recommendation that has a chance of being approved.