HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/1980 � •
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 17, 1980
PRESENT: Deters, Hein, McKay (arrived 7:50), Myers, Schwartz and staff inember
Kelley. A1so Apple Valley residents: Durda, Haussner, Ulrich
ABSENT: Edwards, Regis
Vice Chairman Myers called the meeting to order at 7•35. The purpose of tonight's
meeting is to review the revised draft of the Firearms Ordinance (attached) prior
to the special public input meeting tentatively scheduled for February 7, 1980.
Myers asked the residents who were present if they had any comments on the current
draf t.
Walt Haussner stated he did not understand the reason for the qualifers "but
not limited to" in the definitions of "assault weapons" or firearm", he is
worried that there could be indiscriminate additions; the listing of specific
items in the definitions appeared to be comprehensive enough. He also wondered
why the police were permitted to carry assault weapons (Section II A). Under
Firearm Use (Section I) he was concerned over the lack of a home basement shooting
range as a permitted use, the requirement of a permit for bow and arrow use (I c)
and who is ''authorized" or "approved" by whom (I d) for predator/game control.
Mr. Haussner presented the Conunittee with a handout of Minnesota State Law covering
firearms. He stated he believed that portions of the proposed ordinance regarding
the carrying, purchase, permit issuance and appeal process (Sections II B & C, III,
IV and V) are superceded by the State Laws. He had no comment on fireworks
restriction.
Renee Durda stated she basically agreed with Mr. Haussner; she has no objection
with eliminating hunting with the City but does not want to see unecessary
restrictions imposed. In terms of bow and arrow use she wondered what recourse
of appeal would be available if a permit were refused?
Erwin Ulrich stated he agrees hunting should be prohibited in the City but felt
a provision should be made for the semi-rural areas left to allow shooting of
predator or nuisance animals. Ulrich, Durda and Haussner believed that use of
guns should be restricted to one�s own property as long as projectiles do not
leave the property or the discharge is 500 feet from another structure. They
felt any problems arise from outsiders and not residents.
The committee will have the City Attorney review State Laws governing firearms
to see what options are open. McKay stated some form of approval was necessary,
he has had some bad experience with unsupervised use by youngsters. Myers felt
that responsible users shouldn't ob�ect when they are already taking the necessary
precautions; the approval process just prevents the irresponsible use. There
appears to be a need for substantial revision to the current draft; the committee
decided to delay the special public meeting to February 21. The residents left
after thanking the committee for listening to them and requesting to be sent
copies of the ordinance after the next revision.
�
Page 2
Urban Af�airs Co�itt�Minutes �
1/17/80
The Committee requested some input from the City Attorney on the City's ability
to regulate firearms; it was still felt desireable to prohibit the discharge of
guns in the City except under the circumstances listed in the current draft.
It was felt the use of private basement target ranges would be acceptable as a
permitted use. '
Meeting adj ourned 9:00.
✓