PC 11/12/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

" " Ed Hadberg, 3686 Touriga Drive, Pleasanton, asked why this ordinance was being proposed if there is no problem with home firearms dealers. He noted that the federal requirements are strict and that shipping and registrations guidelines are governed by state laws and wonders why a new level of bureaucracy is being added to the equation. He further stated that the BATF requires that all weapons be secured in a locked location and they review records of each home firearms dealer on an annual basis and conduct a background check. He said that home dealers are not allowed to advertise their products or approach people under the age of 18 to buy guns. He believes that once neighbors of firearms dealers learned of the strict guidelines, they would have no objection to a home firearm dealer in their neighborhood. He strongly recommended that the Commission oppose this ordinance. Herbert H. Marshall, 3202 Clifford Circle, Pleasanton, informed the Commission that some of the FFL holders in the City carve or engrave on the wood handles of guns and, therefore, they are required to have an FFL license. He further noted that if they hold an exempt status, they are not allowed to have any deliveries or stock at their home. Mr. Marshall further stated that he has had an occasion to sell one of his own guns through a transfer agent and that he (Marshall) keeps the gun himself until the permit is granted; the dealer never has possession of the gun. He does not see the need for a new ordinance if the FFL dealers are obeying the law and if there are no weapons in their homes. Chair Cooper asked Mr. Marshall what type of records FFL dealers are required to keep. Mr. Marshall responded that they are required to document every sale or transaction and that those records are reviewed by the BA TF each year. Mark Werlwas, 4481 Grover Drive, Fremont, commented that nobody has ever reported a problem with an FFL dealer. He does not believe that a criminal would break into a home that was thought to have guns and, therefore, does not think there is an increased risk of theft in FFL dealers' homes. He has always found that FFL dealers are law abiding citizens. He further noted that there have been no reports of safety problems with the gun shows at the Fairgrounds. He feels that if there is no crime or problems, then the City's reasons do not validate the need for the new law. Kimberly Rowland, 3650 Locke Court, Pleasanton, advised the Commission that she supports the proposed ordinance. She also pointed out to the Commission that there were several members of the NRA standing in the back of the room and she felt that their hats and their body language were meant to intimate the Commission and members of the audience. She further reported that she has conducted her own research of gun dealers in neighborhoods and has found that the BA TF tries to monitor each dealer's activity, but that it is just not possible to do it every year because there are too many dealers. She stated that she confirmed this information with a BATF officer. She was also advised that if a complaint were lodged about a specific dealer, a spot check would be done. She also believes that security of the homes of FFL dealers is a big issue. She is also concerned with the local gun shows at the Fairgrounds. She stated that she was able to enter a gun show with a large purse and it was not searched. She further stated Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 November 12, 1997