06/06/2000 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 6/6/2000 that Community Policing Officers would travel to the homes of the participants in this program rather than having residents bring weapons/firearms into the Police Station. Councilman Nashar expressed support for the program, but stated that he would not want city dollars used to fund the program. Councilman Gareau mentioned his concern that the city may be at risk for lawsuits if it could be determined that the lock was faulty or the officer had incorrectly instructed the resident. The question of city liability has already been reviewed by the Law Department, and a copy of the opinion has now been distributed to all Council members. The ruling by the Law Director was that he was unaware of any law that would directly create city liability relating to this gun lock program. However, he went on to say that we could be sued anyway. Councilman Limpert suggested that firearm safety classes be part of the program, perhaps conducted at the Recreation Center. Councilman McKay emphasized that the earlier gun safety education could occur, the better. Councilman Miller made the suggestion that all city police officers be issued gun locks for their service weapons. Approximately 50% of the officers already have gun locks. Based on Mr. Miller's recommendation, he has forwarded that recommendation to the Director of Public Safety for his action along with the Mayor and the Chief of Police. Councilwoman Kasler was not in attendance, but in a letter to the committee questioned the program as a conflict with the current gun turn-in program that we had. President of Council Saringer mentioned again the issue of education and safety classes. Resident Paul Barker stated that gun owners are a very private group who would not take part in the program if a police officer would be coming to their home. The recommendation was made to allow those who wish to go directly to a store, such as Wal-Mart, to pick up a gun lock. In fact, that really is an option that people already have. The issue of why the city should have a gun lock program and its value to the residents was brought up. That concern was answered by Mr. O'Grady who related a story that was in The Plain Dealer. The story dealt with a four year old girl named Miranda Wagner who was helping look for a baby's pacifier. When she looked under the cushions of a loveseat, she found a loaded handgun. The handgun went off and shot her in the hand. Luckily, her life was not at risk. This case suggests that some people just do not know any better. Too often that is the case of parents who have young children in the home. If Miranda's parents had been made aware of a gun lock program and had received safety instruction from a community policing officer, then the injury would have been averted. He will go forward with this program because he believes that it is good for the residents of our city and because he believes that it is good for little people like Miranda Wagner. It will save lives. He will be working with the Law Department to put together a needed ordinance to initiate the gun lock program. 2) The Environmental Control Committee met on May 31. Present were committee members O'Grady and McKay; Council members Saringer, Gareau, Nashar, Limpert and Miller; Mayor Musial, Service Director Bohlmann, Safety Director Jenkins and Finance Director Copfer. Ordinance 2000-60 approves the final draft Solid Waste Management Plan Update for the year 2000 to 2015 of the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District. This is a pro forma ordinance regarding the plan reviewed and supported by the Cuyahoga County Commissioners and has already been approved by most of the other cities who are involved. The committee reviewed the ordinance and unanimously recommended approval of Ordinance 2000-60. 7