Friday's Internet Edition, July 04, 2008.
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The current ordinance states that “no person shall, without permission of the current owner or lawful occupier of such property, discharge a firearm within 300 feet of a dwelling or other building or structure, which is designed to be occupied by human beings.”
The committee is recommending that the distance requirement be increased from 300 feet to 500 feet and that no one under the age of 18 be allowed to discharge a firearm unless accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
The issue first came up for a vote in May 2006, but council postponed any action and sent the item back to Public Safety for further discussion with residents. Mayor Tom Lawson said these meetings allowed people on both sides of the issue to gain a better understanding of each other’s positions and to work together towards a solution.
Lawson also said that the 500 feet distance is a good compromise between those who favor a higher distance and those who favor keeping the 300 feet distance.
Public Safety originally recommended a distance of 1,000 feet.
Residents will be able to voice their opinions on the firearms ordinance before the council takes any action.
A discussion of Lewisville’s first-ever Town Motto Contest is also on the agenda for Thursday.
Councilwoman Jane Welch suggested the contest during council’s annual retreat. Residents were asked to submit their suggestions to Town Hall by October 16. The council will review the submissions and make the final selection.
Other items on the agenda include a community policing report from Corporal Rick Oliver; an update to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding subdivision requirements, specifically sidewalks; and a request from the Lewisville Downtown Corporation to be added to the list of non-profits who are allowed to use town facilities at no charge.
The regular meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the G. Galloway Reynolds Community Center.