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Public commenter urges ban on non‑emergency helicopter landings; council asks attorney to review
Summary
During public comment Sanford Melville said helicopters have landed low over High Star Ranch and called the activity a "public nuisance." Council asked staff to consult the city attorney and FAA and to consider a citywide public‑safety ordinance or a land‑use amendment.
Sanford Melville, a resident who said he lives at High Star Ranch, told the council he had observed low, non‑emergency helicopters landing on the lawn behind the Beaumont Cafe and asked the city to consider prohibiting such landings or requiring permits.
"I can personally testify that it's a public nuisance," Melville said, urging the council to modify the land‑use code or pursue an ordinance. Council members discussed whether High Star's existing development agreement would be affected and whether a citywide public‑safety ordinance would be the better approach. Several councilors recommended the city attorney review the interaction between the development agreement and any new code language; the mayor said he would make follow‑up calls to the attorney and suggested consulting the FAA for airspace and safety guidance.
Council members expressed caution about unintended consequences to the development agreement and asked for legal clarity before drafting an ordinance. Staff and council directed the city attorney to investigate the legal options and return with advice to preserve public safety without inadvertently altering other contractual rights.
