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both sides of the debate. He said one complainant has a store in the northern part of Orange
County, but lives in the southern part of the County. He said this citizen has a neighbor that
shoots until somewhere between 10:00 p.m. and midnight. He said the shooting keeps him
awake.
Chair McKee said he has a neighbor that has some type of weapon that either is, or
sounds like, an automatic weapon. He said this does not bother him, as he is used to hearing
gunfire.
Chair McKee said this is how the issue came before the BOCC, and while it may not be
perfect, this is what they have to work with now.
Commissioner Rich said she is interested in hearing ways to communicate more
effectively with the public about these meetings and notifications, especially those without
Internet access. She said she is the Commission liaison to the communications team, and it is
important to her.
Roger Moore said to put posters up on phone poles or in local stores, notices in
newspapers, or on television or radio stations.
Commissioner Rich said the original notice always goes in the newspaper. She asked if
those with email would be willing to share their email, to sign up on the County subscription
services.
Roger Moore said he could do this, but many people simply cannot afford the expense
of the Internet.
Jack Hunnell asked if citizens could sign up for specific “target words” and only receive
notices about those meetings. He asked if this issue was primarily a noise issue, how did all
the other elements of the ordinance come to pass.
Chair McKee said the original complaint involved gunfire.
Commissioner Jacobs said communicating with residents in rural Orange County has
been a chronic problem. He said Rockingham County won an award for addressing the issue
by doing the very thing that Mr. Moore suggested of taking posters to prominent community
locations. He said the BOCC often focuses on doing things efficiently and in a cost effective
manner, and using manpower to go around the County and post signs is not the cheapest
method. He added that the community is not being informed, and that is unacceptable.
Sheriff Blackwood said the Sheriff’s deputies would be glad to take posters and notices
around to all areas of the County.
Don O’Leary said notification could be sent in tax bills or vehicle registration mailings.
Alan Mauer said he appreciated the Board’s desire to improve communication, but that
is not the topic of tonight’s discussion.
Steve Hopper said the News of Northern Orange is free to everyone. He asked if the
Sheriff could comment on the proposed ordinance.
Sheriff Blackwood said all too often there are polarized sections and a plan needs to be
made as how to address this issue together. He said regarding notification, it is incumbent
upon citizens to be interested and involved in local government. He said the BOCC and the
Sheriff are available to speak with the residents at all times. He said to come at the eleventh
hour, when this has been discussed for two years, is not right. He said an ordinance is not
needed to address lawful, responsible, firing of a weapon on one’s property. He said property
damaged by errant rounds can be addressed by existing laws. He said the Lenoir County
ordinance strikes him as reasonable and responsible and he encouraged all to read it. He said
he is going to enforce any adopted ordinances. He said he respects the BOCC and the
diligence with which it works on every decision it makes. He said he does not want to take
anyone’s rights away. He enjoys shooting and does so responsibly. He said there was a need
for an ordinance, one was drafted that was imperfect, and now all must come together to reach
a solution.