Minutes 09-10-2020 Virtual Work Session

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7 Commissioner Greene said she is more concerned about the land neighboring these types of subdivisions, and she is unsure what she thinks about all of this. She said just because a regulation is difficult to enforce does not mean it should not be on the books. She said she thinks most people want to follow the law, and having laws on the books can be a deterrent. Chair Rich said she is hearing some support for the 900 feet distance requirement. Commissioner McKee said he needed to be convinced that a 900-foot requirement would not eliminate 70 percent of homes in Orange County. He said he does not know how it would work. He said he knows there are difficult situations, and he has a neighbor that shoots excessively, in his opinion. He agrees with Commissioner Greene that most residents are able to cease, when asked, but those are not the residents who are causing problems. He said those who are causing problems are not going to be accommodating to neighbors. Chair Rich said she is having a hard time picturing 900 feet. Commissioner McKee said it is a long distance. Commissioner Greene said 900 feet is three football fields. John Roberts said Planning Staff can map every residence, in the non-incorporated areas, and put a 900 foot circle around each one. He said it would cover a substantial portion of the County. Commissioner McKee said he would like to see that map. John Roberts said staff would work on it. Commissioner Marcoplos said the Board has to decide what is important: saying one must be able to shoot on one's own property no matter what, or does one go to another friend's land to shoot. He said he has given people permission to shoot on his land, and this new recommendation does not take away anyone's rights. He said the noise will still be loud even at 900 feet. Commissioner Greene asked if 900 feet blankets the County, would it be wise to consider 600 feet. She said it may be helpful to have both options mapped out. Chair Rich said the BOCC is considering having a regulation, and Commissioner Dorosin indicated a desire to have a process to regulate the building of berms. John Roberts asked if the BOCC would like this back at a regular work session or a business meeting. Chair Rich said the public will need to be able to weigh in. Commissioner McKee agreed, and thinks this item would need to be done when the BOCC is meeting in public, not virtually. Commissioner Bedford said she agrees with the aforementioned comments, and said she would like to know how far bullets can travel for certain types of guns, and the potential for bodily harm. Commissioner McKee said a small caliber gun (like a 22 rifle) will travel less than a mile, but a large caliber gun (AR-15, etc.) can travel several miles, unless one is shooting into a stop. Commissioner Bedford said the permitting idea has more value to her. Commissioner Rich said the Sheriff indicated the last time a stray bullet hit a person in Orange County was in 1967. Commissioner Bedford said it has happened more recently in the municipalities. Commissioner Dorosin said a woman was killed in Durham from a stray bullet. Chair Rich said it sounds like this item would need to come before a work session before coming before a public hearing. 2. Follow-up Discussion on County Capital Investment Plan (CIP) Years 2 through 5 PURPOSE: To facilitate a discussion on the outstanding amendments to the Capital Investment Plan following the Intent to Adopt work session on June 9, 2020.