Permits recommended for shooting in town

A citizens committee has recommended that landowners apply for a conditional-use permit to shoot at targets on their properties.

After several months of discussion about controlling shooting ranges, the five-member committee returned to the Grafton Town Board Wednesday, July 10,  to present potential solutions. 

The committee has met several times with residents since being formed in May. 

“In my opinion, this is to alleviate dangerous and overuse situations,” Committee Chairman Don Korinek said.

“We had a huge contingent of people who wanted to do something, and they understand their neighbors’ concerns.” 

Korinek said revoking a conditional-use permit would be the most effective means to prevent further violations. 

As proposed, requirements to receive a permit would include:

• Having a berm that is 10 feet tall, 15 feet wide and 15 feet deep. The berm would also have to be set back 20 feet from the property line. 

• A maximum shooting distance of 100 yards.

• Each property must have a minimum of three acres.

• No more than five people could shoot at a time.

• The number of rounds fired could not exceed 125 in a 24-hour period.

• For trap shooting, there must be a minimum of 150 yards from point of discharge.

• No shooting can occur less than 150 yards from a neighbor’s dwelling.

• The landowner must be present when shooting occurs.

• Town Engineer Kevin Kimmes would be required to inspect the property to ensure all requirements are met.

The landowner must apply for the permit through the Plan Commission. 

The committee also suggested no shooting after 8 p.m. or dusk, and no shooting after 1 p.m. on Sunday or during a holiday.

Fines for violating the recommended criteria would be $250 for first-time offenders and $500 for subsequent violations.

Supr. Tom Grabow recommended the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office enforce the policy. Korinek also suggested the citizens committee visit a property if a violation occurs to address the situation before the Sheriff’s Office becomes involved.

Officials said nearly all of the past violations in the last four years were not caused by town residents but rather people visiting the area to shoot. 

No action was taken at the July 10 meeting, but Town Chairman Lester Bartel said there would be further discussion at next month’s board meeting. 

“This is a good effort to come up with a compromise from all sides,” Supr. Paul Melotik said.

Citizens committee member Jeff Duwell said the committee’s objective was to preserve the right to shoot in a safe manner.

“We need some changes other than what we have on the books today,” Duwell said.

Town Supr. Karron Stockwell agreed. “I think this is going to work,” she said.