Agenda 12-06-21; 8-a - Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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19 1 Commissioner McKee said he previously sat on a task force for the regulation of 2 firearms, which recommended a set of common sense regulations that he feels are effective. 3 He said he is concerned that a more restrictive set of measures would result in the State putting 4 limitations on the county. 5 Commissioner Fowler asked how far sound travels, and how the 300 and 450-foot 6 buffers relate to noise. She asked if the goal was to avoid firearm discharge within these 7 buffers. 8 County Attorney said the intent was to prohibit discharge within the buffers. He said 9 noise would travel much farther than the proposed buffers. 10 Chair Price said it also depends on the lay of the land and the caliber of the firearm. 11 Commissioner Greene said she is interested in restrictions that can be placed on newly 12 established firing ranges. 13 John Roberts said buffers and distance could be used to address place. He said time of 14 day restrictions would only affect target practice, and not hunting or law enforcement, etc. He 15 said manner could be defined with berms and backstops. 16 Commissioner Greene said she thought the time of day might be helpful for those who 17 have brought this up, so they can leave their homes during those anticipated hours. 18 Commissioner McKee said on open ground shooting a 22-caliber rifle can be heard a 19 quarter of a mile away, and shotguns over a mile. He said it is variable depending on 20 geography, ground cover, etc. 21 Chair Price asked if the current time regulations could be identified. 22 John Roberts said the county does not currently regulate target practice times, but he 23 can look at the noise ordinance for general noise. 24 Chair Price asked if firearm discharge falls under general noise. 25 John Roberts said no, firearms are excluded from the general noise ordinance at this 26 time. He said the current noise ordinance is 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. 27 Commissioner Hamilton asked if clarification could be provided on the maps. 28 Brian Carson, GIS Project Coordinator, said one map shows the locations of the noise 29 and the other maps shows complaints from hearing the firearms. 30 Commissioner Hamilton said site four on the map has an active shooting range. 31 Commissioner McKee said on sites 1-3, there were a few complaints, but there were 32 also many homes in those areas that did not complain. He said noise is in the ear of the 33 beholder, and he would like to end this discussion, as the BOCC will never be able to satisfy 34 everyone. 35 Chair Price said she would like to provide the public with information on what to do when 36 they hear gunfire. She said she would also like for people engaging in target practice to tell the 37 Sheriff's department ahead of time. 38 Commissioner Greene said she generally agreed with Commissioner McKee, but she 39 would like to know if there is Board support for regulating the time of shooting for newly 40 established shooting ranges. 41 Commissioner Fowler asked what time of day Commissioner Greene would propose. 42 Commissioner Greene said she would like to have further discussion at a future meeting. 43 Commissioner Fowler said she would be interested in having that discussion, and 44 clarified any potential restrictions would not apply to hunters. 45 Commissioner Greene said correct. 46 Commissioner Richards asked Commissioner Greene if she only wants an ordinance for 47 newly established shooting ranges. 48 Commissioner Greene said shooting ranges are all the Board can limit from a time 49 perspective. 50 John Roberts said the BOCC can restrict the time on target practice. He said an 51 ordinance cannot apply to previously established shooting ranges.