CCMIN071297 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Roush suggested that Council introduce the ordinance and then refer the zoning regulations to the Planning Commission for a report and recommendation. The ordinance would return to Council in August for the second reading. The zoning regulation changes would come before Council at a later date. Ms. Michelotti said she had several questions that needed to be answered. She said this is a tough issue to deal with. She thinks that trying to overregulate is not always the best thing to do. She wanted to be supportive of the concept when it is appropriate for other cities to take action. However, it has to fit the needs for Pleasanton. Her concern is with how will the existing businesses be phased out and the list of guns. She was not completely comfortable with the way the ordinance read. She wanted to know what Pleasanton could do to collect the unwanted guns. She wanted the City Attorney to have the opportunity to answer her questions regarding the ordinance and the list of guns. Mr. Roush said the zoning regulation is straightforward. The roster will not change unless Council directed staff to research it more. Ms. Michelotti said she would like the results of the Lafayette lawsuit regarding a similar issue. Mr. Roush said the matter is on appeal. A decision is forthcoming but not until late next year. Ms. Michelotti said she was in favor of the trigger locks. She believed people needed to be taught how to use the locks. She needed more information to make the right decision. She respected people's viewpoint and appreciated the time it took to come and share their comments with Council. She also would like to know the outcome of the Lafayette decision before this ordinance would be enacted. Mr. Pico said one of the real threats to our freedom is the lack of confidence in local officials. One of the things that local officials do to negatively impact the confidence of people is to create laws that are unnecessary or did not work. He felt this ordinance would do just that. A year ago this ordinance came before Council and a considerable amount of public testimony was heard. He was concerned the Police Chief did not support the ordinance. He felt the ordinance would only create a tremendous amount of work for the Police Department. This ordinance would detract the Police Department from doing its job of keeping the City safe. He truly believed that there is a right to regulate a gun dealer. The City has a right to administer laws that are fair to the community. He did not think the licensing and regulating of the "Saturday Night Special" at the local level made a whole lot of sense. He did not believe the ordinance is something that could be effectively enforced. He understood the need to unite with other communities. He said he could support an ordinance that regulates gun dealers but not one that regulates "Saturday Night Specials". Pleasanton City Council 07/12/97 Minutes 13