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Council pauses overhaul of police and administrative code to allow public input on proposed firearms ban
Summary
The Eagle City Council continued Ordinance 9-42 to July 21 for public testimony after weeks of debate over a proposed prohibition on discharging firearms inside city limits, mapping of BLM exceptions, and removal of the 20-acre exemption.
The Eagle City Council voted June 16 to continue consideration of Ordinance 9-42, a package of updates to the city's administrative and police code, to the July 21 meeting and to agendize the measure for public testimony.
Staff presented a multi-part draft that would raise general penalties (from $50 to $100), clarify noise and maintenance sections, change curfew enforcement, and propose that "it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm within the corporate limits of the city except for any area specifically established by resolution of the city council." Bill (staff) said the mapping approach would let the council identify permitted areas by resolution and update them as development grows. "This draft has been provided for your consideration that makes, discharging a firearm in the city limits prohibited like it used to," staff said during the presentation.
Councilmembers and staff described safety incidents driving the proposal, including a projectile that passed through a Val Nova home window weeks earlier. Police Chief Travis Ruby noted the department has seen more calls for service related to shooting in developing areas and said local statutes are enforceable within city limits; he also cautioned that state and county ordinances do not automatically give city enforcement authority on noncity lands. Several councilmembers urged carving out mapped, managed areas rather than a blanket ban: one suggested a buffer of 150 yards from residences and designated recreation sites; another favored allowing —shotgun-only— bird-hunting exemptions in defined zones. Multiple members agreed the historic 20-acre exemption is no longer feasible as development encroaches.
Councilwoman Nancy Merrill moved to continue Ordinance 9-42 to the July 21 meeting and to open that meeting to public testimony; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting "Aye." The council also directed staff to bring back map options, possible buffer distances, and draft resolution language to support a public hearing.
What happens next: staff will prepare map alternatives and revised code language for the July 21 meeting, when the council expects to hear public comment before further action.
