Adopt Ordinance #13-07 Amending Chapter 34 of the Ramsey City Code, Sec 34-21 Weapons

The current City Code that covers Weapons and the use of Firearms and Bows and Arrows was adopted in 2009. Since that time, the Police Department has been issuing permits to hunt and discharge weapons within the City. It was brought to the attention of the Police Chief that the existing ordinance may be confusing to some. Staff would like to eliminate any confusion in the ordinance by making changes to the existing code. The changes do not alter the code, it only clarifies it. Citizens maintain the same rights to hunt that they have had since 2009.

Proposed changes were presented to Council at the March 12, 2013 regular meeting. There was still some confusion and Council recommended more clarification to the ordinance. Two Council members were selected to work with staff to make additional changes to the ordinance.

At the May 14, 2013 regular Council meeting a revised Weapons Ordinance was introduced.  No changes were made to the ordinance that was introduced.

The revised ordinance is now up for adoption.

Attached to this case is the revised City Code showing proposed amendment as well as an ordinance amending same.

The revised ordinance is much more clear and understandable to the reader. 

Staff recommends the adoption of the Weapons Ordinance as it was introduced.

None Required

Motion to waive the City Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud and adopt Ordinance #13-07 to Amend Chapter 34 of the Ramsey City Code, which is the Chapter known as the Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions Chapter of the Ramsey, Minnesota, City Code- an Ordinance Amending Article II, Section 34-21, Weapons. 

Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Riley
Councilmember Tossey
Councilmember Backous
Councilmember LeTourneau
Councilmember Kuzma
Mayor Strommen