Council reviews Title 5 public‑safety ordinance that bans firearm discharge and possession of fireworks in town

The council read and discussed language in Title 5 (public safety) that bans the discharge of firearms and the possession or sale of fireworks within town limits.

Speaker 2 read the ordinance language aloud: "It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully discharge any firearm of any description or any device loaded with powder within the limits of town." The chapter also lists fireworks and similar pyrotechnic devices and classifies violations as a Class C misdemeanor.

Several participants described the penalties as "pretty harsh" for the conduct discussed and questioned who would enforce such prohibitions in practice. Speaker 8 and others asked about enforcement capacity citing experience with nuisance animal and barking‑dog complaints; Speaker 2 noted the town lacks a local enforcement arm and has relied on the county sheriff for some responses.

Speaker 2 said changing or striking the ordinance would require a public hearing and the standard ordinance‑adoption process. The council did not schedule a hearing at this meeting but identified Title 5, Chapter 1 as a potential chapter for amendment and advised staff to place it on a future agenda for formal consideration.

Next steps: Staff to prepare materials for a potential public hearing on Title 5 and advise the council about enforcement options and possible amendments.