Town toughens ordinance on use of firearms

After several years of discussion, the Grafton Town Board on Wednesday, March 11, amended a firearms ordinance to restrict excessive shooting and hold landowners responsible for related activities on their property.

During a public hearing on the proposed changes, a dozen residents spoke commending the board for taking public   input into account.

“The changes made were reasonable and a good decision,” resident Jack Curtis said. 

The amendments call for limiting the time and duration of recreational shooting and hunting so the activities won’t interfere with “other residents’ reasonable use and enjoyment of their property.” 

It also holds landowners responsible for any shooting on their property. The ordinance states that violations “may result in an injunction, permanently prohibiting the recreational use of firearms on any property subject to a complaint.”    

The ordinance also exempts firing air rifles up to .22 caliber.

Resident Doug Johnson said he agrees with some of the changes to the ordinance, but said language is ambiguous with regards to the duration and amount of rounds that can be used.

Some residents questioned how the ordinance could be enforced. In past discussions, the board suggested hiring a constable — a move that would cost the town about $50,000 — but that position is not included in the 2020 budget.    

Last year, an eight-person citizens committee was formed to address the concerns of residents and held several meetings. The committee proposed limiting shooting to no more than 20 rounds in a 24-hour period. It also suggested a $100 fine for first-time offenders and $500 for subsequent offenses. 

However, in January most board members said they believed the proposed restrictions were too severe and the fines too steep.

During last week’s meeting, the board approved the amended ordinance by a 3-2 vote. Supervisors Karron Stockwell and Tom Grabow dissented.

Stockwell said she voted against the changes because the board did not take into account the recommendations of the citizens committee. 

“This is extremely disappointing to me. We need to go back to the drawing board,” she said.     

Grabow said the wording of the ordinance with regard to the time and duration of shooting “has a lot of gray areas.”