PC 11/12/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

" Commissioner Wright asked whether the home FFL dealers are basically placing the orders, completing the paperwork and then transferring the weapon, and Mr. Iserson stated that was accurate. Commissioner Dove asked whether any type of negative incident has ever been reported against a home FFL dealer, and Mr. Iserson responded that he is not aware of any complaints. Chair Cooper questioned what the public interest was in banning gun sales at the Fairgrounds and noted such a ban would reduce the Fairground's revenues. He also asked whether the Commission could exempt the Fairgrounds as a site for the sale of firearms. Ms. Iserson advised him that all zones were carefully examined and staff determined that the district in which the fairgrounds is categorized is not an appropriate place to sell firearms. He noted that the land-use agreement between the City and the County states that the City will not get involved in zoning matters relating to historical uses at the Fairgrounds, and he acknowledged that the City would not legally enforce a ban of firearms sales due to the land-use agreement. A discussion took place regarding the legality of prohibiting firearm sales at the Fairgrounds. In a recent case, a court invalidated the Santa Clara County's prohibition of the sale of firearms at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Ms. Perko stated that in that case the court found that the sale of firearms on the property was not illegal and, therefore, the Board's action was not legal. Here, in contrast, Pleasanton's ordinance would make the sale of firearms illegal on the Fairgrounds; therefore, the Board would likely be able to rely on the ordinance to prohibit the sale of firearms on the Fairgrounds. Ms. Perko advised the Commission that the County has been urged to prohibit the sale of firearms on all County-owned property, including the Fairgrounds. A brief discussion took place between the Commission regarding neighborhood safety issues with FFL dealers. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Thomas Goddard, 7172 Arbeau Drive, Newark, asked the Commission who proposed this ordinance. He questioned why the ordinance should be changed if there have been no problems under the current one. He noted that he is a shooter and he always buys his guns from home dealers because they are most knowledgeable and he always gets good advice. He commented the home dealers are decent, law-abiding citizens who make guns their hobby. He has always found that home firearms dealers strictly adhere to the federal regulations. He further stated that criminals do not buy weapons through legal channels because they cost more money and it is "too much of a headache." He reported that he and his family have attended gun shows at the Fairgrounds and he has always found the people there to be friendly. He and his family have never been afraid or felt threatened. He, therefore, cannot understand why there is now an effort to make life difficult for people who are causing no harm to their community. Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 November 12, 1997