Desertdog
Member
No mention of anybody being hurt by firearms. No mention of exemption for self-defense.
Commission looks to ban firearm discharge within city limits
By SCOTT BRAND/The Evening News
SAULT STE. MARIE - Expressing surprise that an ordinance to prevent the discharge of a firearm within the city limits was not already on the books, the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission took quick action Monday evening to get one in place.
The matter was brought to the attention of the city commission through a pair of petitions introduced by Harvey Marina boat slip renters and Riverside Drive residents seeking to prohibit duck hunting along the lower islands.
Ironically, this area is the same one where some of the longest and loudest cries have come calling for assistance with Canada goose population control. In fact, both petitions made specific references to keeping the goose hunt, traditionally held during the first 10 days of September.
"I don't think we need an ordinance for the lower river," said Commissioner Dave Gonyeau. "I think we should introduce an ordinance to ban the discharge of a firearm within the city limits."
Commissioner Verna Lawrence expressed the belief that a person would be arrested for shooting within the city limits.
"If you shoot in most places, you would," explained City Attorney Steve Cannello, "but there are some places where you can."
From a legal standpoint, there are a host of laws regulating the discharge of firearms including the 450 foot rule from any structure, unless the individual has the permission of the owner. For the most part, that prohibits the discharge of firearms throughout the vast majority of property within the city limits. There are, however, isolated pockets - most notably the lower islands complex and some of the old farm country - which do not fall under the state law.
"There are plenty of restrictions, but there is no blanket ordinance prohibiting the discharge of a firearm in the city," said Cannello later adding, "The entire city, from corner to corner, is not covered."
Noting there was not much time before the hunting season would be upon us, the commission took the unusual step of amending the agenda to introduce the first reading of a firearm discharge ban throughout the city. Gonyeau initially proposed a ban on all firearms without exceptions, amending it to allow for police use and the city-sponsored goose hunt.
Commissioner Frank King warned that they may be acting in haste, saying he didn't want to take things away from people who never had any problem at all, specifically pointing to some of the isolated area in the western part of the city.
Gonyeau and Commissioner William Munsell, however, expressed concerns about the potential flight of a rifled bullet, which can go upwards of a mile or more - much farther than the very limited range of birdshot used in shotguns while pursuing ducks, geese and other small game.
Cannello indicated that an exception for shotguns could create an enforcement nightmare since it would be difficult to determine what type of gun was being used under these circumstance.
The commission unanimously approved the firearm discharge ban, setting up a Sept. 6 public hearing on this matter.
Commission looks to ban firearm discharge within city limits
By SCOTT BRAND/The Evening News
SAULT STE. MARIE - Expressing surprise that an ordinance to prevent the discharge of a firearm within the city limits was not already on the books, the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission took quick action Monday evening to get one in place.
The matter was brought to the attention of the city commission through a pair of petitions introduced by Harvey Marina boat slip renters and Riverside Drive residents seeking to prohibit duck hunting along the lower islands.
Ironically, this area is the same one where some of the longest and loudest cries have come calling for assistance with Canada goose population control. In fact, both petitions made specific references to keeping the goose hunt, traditionally held during the first 10 days of September.
"I don't think we need an ordinance for the lower river," said Commissioner Dave Gonyeau. "I think we should introduce an ordinance to ban the discharge of a firearm within the city limits."
Commissioner Verna Lawrence expressed the belief that a person would be arrested for shooting within the city limits.
"If you shoot in most places, you would," explained City Attorney Steve Cannello, "but there are some places where you can."
From a legal standpoint, there are a host of laws regulating the discharge of firearms including the 450 foot rule from any structure, unless the individual has the permission of the owner. For the most part, that prohibits the discharge of firearms throughout the vast majority of property within the city limits. There are, however, isolated pockets - most notably the lower islands complex and some of the old farm country - which do not fall under the state law.
"There are plenty of restrictions, but there is no blanket ordinance prohibiting the discharge of a firearm in the city," said Cannello later adding, "The entire city, from corner to corner, is not covered."
Noting there was not much time before the hunting season would be upon us, the commission took the unusual step of amending the agenda to introduce the first reading of a firearm discharge ban throughout the city. Gonyeau initially proposed a ban on all firearms without exceptions, amending it to allow for police use and the city-sponsored goose hunt.
Commissioner Frank King warned that they may be acting in haste, saying he didn't want to take things away from people who never had any problem at all, specifically pointing to some of the isolated area in the western part of the city.
Gonyeau and Commissioner William Munsell, however, expressed concerns about the potential flight of a rifled bullet, which can go upwards of a mile or more - much farther than the very limited range of birdshot used in shotguns while pursuing ducks, geese and other small game.
Cannello indicated that an exception for shotguns could create an enforcement nightmare since it would be difficult to determine what type of gun was being used under these circumstance.
The commission unanimously approved the firearm discharge ban, setting up a Sept. 6 public hearing on this matter.
