PC 01/13/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Lou Malmborg, WalMart Stores, Inc., 4501 Rosewood Drive, informed the Commission that all firearms leave the store in boxes, dismantled, and with trigger locks in place. Further, she stated that ammunition is not sold at the same time as a firearm and that all anununition in the future will be locked up in glass cases. Further, WalMart has made a corporate decision not to sell handguns in its California stores. David Pastor, 3613 Hawaii Court, inquired as to whether WalMart carries liability insurance for damage to property, or injury to people, due to sale of firearms. Further, he stated he worked against of Measure G. Nora Sabblock, 4129 Grant Court, expressed concern with the sale of firearms at WalMart due to its effect on children and requested that the Commission deny the conditional use permit. Christine Schengel, 4168 Georgis Place, expressed concern with firearm sales at WalMart due to the store not being in a commercial area and it being in close proximity to residences and public transportation. Further, she expressed concern with the negative effects of children being exposed to firearms. Ms. Malmborg stated that WalMart requires that managers be fingerprinted, that only members of the management team are permitted to accompany persons purchasing firearms to their vehicles, and that WalMart does carry liability insurance. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Kameny stated he observed the sales team at WalMart who deal with firearm sales and was impressed with their operation of the sale of firearms. He stated he would vote in support of approving the application; however, he requested that the application meet all requirements as set forth in Measure G and that all ammunition be locked up as conditions of approval of the conditional use permit. Ms. Seto noted that WalMart has voluntarily elected to lock up the ammunition. Commissioner Maas expressed concern with public safety issues relating to the sale of firearms due to the close proximity of residences, parks, schools, and freeways adjacent to WalMart. Commissioner Cooper commented on the importance of the Bill of Rights and stated that the City has an obligation to provide an appropriate venue for the sale of firearms. He noted that parents have an obligation to monitor children's view of firearms and inappropriate use of firearms, including those viewed on television. He noted that WalMart is selling hunting and sporting firearms and not handguns, that firearms are being stored very safely, and that the firearms are not being displayed in an inappropriate place. He concluded by noting he would vote in support of approving the application. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3 January 13, 1999