Minutes 03-01-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

11 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the BOCC has a consensus of opinion regarding the topic of firearms. He said a liaison should have an idea of how the BOCC feels in order to inform the committee. He said a discussion would be needed in advance of appointing a liaison. He said if there is not consensus among the BOCC, a liaison may not be a particularly valuable role. Commissioner Jacobs said a liaison could be valuable even if there is not BOCC consensus. He said the committee may not follow the liaison's guidance but could have an idea of the BOCC's feelings. Chair McKee asked if there was input regarding the use of a facilitator. Bonnie Hammersley said she would not see the Manager or designee or staff as a voting member of a task force. She said these people would serve only in a technical role. Commissioner Rich asked if the Sheriff, or his designee, should be a voting member. Bonnie Hammersley said the Sheriff is an elected official. Commissioner Rich said the BOCC are elected officials and the discussion just called for the BOCC to not be voting members. Chair McKee said he was not referring to all elected officials but rather BOCC members specifically. Commissioner Rich sees the Sheriff being there for information not for voting purposes. Commissioner Jacobs said he would rather the Sheriff be a part of the process and have some real participation. Sheriff Blackwood said it was his intention to designate Deputy Chief Jamie Sykes to the committee. He said it is critical for his department to give input to the BOCC and the BOCC should do the ultimate voting. Commissioner Burroughs said a facilitator would be good. Commissioner Jacobs agreed. PUBLIC COMMENT: Andy Stevens read the following prepared statement: Good evening Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. My name is Andy Stevens, and I reside at 2615 N Church St, Greensboro. I am here this evening speaking as Director of Local Government Affairs for Grass Roots North Carolina, our State's "No compromise" Gun Rights Organization. In full disclosure, I am also an active candidate for North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture in the upcoming March 15th election. I must ask this evening, "Why does this Board persist in its effort to legislate lawful behavior out of existence. I'm referring to the discharge of a firearm on one's own private property. Did you know effective training can be accomplished in as little as twenty-five yards distance, or less than 75 feet? Before you vote this evening to proceed, you may want to consider the reaction such efforts have had in other communities. For example, I can direct you to the Village of Tobaccoville last month. The Mayor, who proposed it, "resigned" when he saw 200+ flood Town Hall in opposition. I can point you to to similar undertaking in Rockingham County a few months back....and the outrage by local citizens that will without doubt have an impact on an incumbent or two running for reelection in this month's elections there. You can also read about Harnett County's experience last year. We guess you did not get the message from last month's meeting and your attempt to back door such a freedom robbing ordinance in the first place. My organization and its members are certainly concerned, and that's why I am here tonight. I pulled up your current firearms ordinance this morning from the County website. Did you know you are no longer in compliance with State Law, which is 2013 further limited your