Geneva delays vote on banning BB guns
Geneva aldermen aren't keen on banning the use of BB guns and air rifles, sending a proposal from the police chief back for revision.
Aldermen Mary Seno, Craig Maladra and Dean Kilburg questioned the idea this week.
And Alderman Tom Simonian - absent, but weighing in via letter - strongly criticized the proposal.
"Forty-two thousand people a year are treated (in emergency rooms) for nail gun injuries," Simonian wrote, noting that the tool shoots a metal projectile with high velocity, similar to pellet guns. "I would say that a nail gun should also be included. What about a fishing pole? What about a baseball bat and ball? ... What about stones, darts, slingshots? What about Diet Coke and Mentos?" (Mixing the two results in a geyser.)
"At what point do we, the government, stop intruding on people's lives and let them be responsible, especially on private property?"
Police Chief Steve Mexin, however, shot down Simonian's analogies.
"They (nail guns, baseballs and fishing poles) are not shot out of a barrel at 1,200 feet per second. They are not designed to look like a firearm. They are not shot across a yard," Mexin said Monday night.
"No one has been assaulted or had property damage as a result of Mentos, as far as I know."
Maladra suggested treating BB guns differently than air rifles, perhaps designating weapons by caliber and velocity.
The chief said it would be difficult to determine velocity, especially if the gun has been modified. Maladra suggested using manufacturer's specifications.
Geneva's proposed law would be stricter than state law. Under state law, you can shoot pellet and air guns on private property, as long as the projectiles stay on that property.
Two residents spoke against the proposal.
Kurt Koenig cited "family values" of a parent teaching a child how to use the guns.
"It is an inexpensive way to teach them the discipline necessary" for responsible gun ownership and use, he said. "This ordinance will take away that value."
Seno and Simonian questioned whether Geneva has had enough incidents to merit calling it a problem. Mexin said he could not provide statistics, because pellet gun-related damage is typically classified in the department's record system as "criminal damage to property."
"It sounds like it is not a big problem. If it becomes a big problem we should do something," Seno said.
Aldermen agreed to send comments and suggestions to city administrator Mary McKittrick and Mexin, so they can present a revised proposal.