Hampshire board authorizes shooting-range use agreement to formalize long-running police training site

The Hampshire Village Board voted to authorize a shooting-range use agreement with the landowner referenced in the packet (Burrigo Ventures LLC, also referenced as Briar Hill Ventures) to formalize a long-running arrangement that provides a nearby range for police training.

Staff described the arrangement as a formalization of existing, informal use of a rural parcel the department has used for training for more than a decade. The packet noted the facility sits “about a mile back” on a large property north of the railroad tracks and adjacent to a pond; staff said the property is in unincorporated county land and is therefore outside village zoning.

Trustees asked whether the parcel’s present zoning allows a shooting range and whether future nearby development would pose conflicts if the parcel remained in its current use. Staff and Ed Locke, who attended to answer technical questions, said the parcel involved in the use agreement is not in the village and that the agreement limits and documents local police access and training opportunities. The board discussed the possibility of future rezoning or moving the range when adjacent parcels are developed.

Lieutenant Nevlock described the range’s location and use and emphasized safety protocols. A trustee said a formal agreement was "a big win for our police department" because it allows local training instead of sending officers elsewhere.

After questions and clarifications, the board adopted the resolution authorizing the use agreement; the transcript records the motion carrying with unanimous affirmative responses from trustees.