Killington Police Chief Proposes Firearm Ordinance, Fines

Vermont Standard
By Curt Peterson

Standard Correspondent

KILLINGTON—About two dozen residents listened intently as Killington Police Chief Whit Montgomery read the statute that authorizes Vermont towns to enact firearm discharge ordinances, followed by his recommendation for select board consideration. The statute allows a town to regulate discharging of firearms, but not their ownership or their uses that are covered by state hunting and firearm regulations, or their use at regulated firing ranges.

“As I said at the last select board meeting, I recommend prohibiting the use of firearms in specific areas,” Montgomery said, “rather than banning them across the entire town.”

He went on to list the areas he has identified as reasonable “no firearms use” zones: River Road (in entirety), Schoolhouse Road, West Park Road, Barrows Town Road and Roaring Brook Road.

“I also propose significant fines for violating the ordinance,” he said. “Fifty dollars for the first offense, $75 for the second, $100 for the third, and $200 for the fourth and any subsequent violations.”

He added that the regulated areas would be posted.

Select board chair Patty McGrath questioned including all of River Road, as some of it is very sparsely inhabited. Montgomery pointed out that the areas he has listed are suggestions at this point, and he expects them to be adjusted before any ordinance is adopted.

“For those who want to shoot in town, I would encourage them to set up a rod-and-gun club to designate a firing range away from residential areas and regulated for safety,” Montgomery said.

Dillon Partridge, who said he recently moved to Killington from Connecticut and chose his River Road property specifically so he could use his firearms without hindrance, asked Montgomery how far one would have to be from the road to fire a gun legally under the proposed ordinance. “Two hundred yards is the suggested distance,” the chief said.

Partridge explained that he has 34 acres, the rear of which consists of a very high, steep ledge into which he safely discharges his firearms.

“When I first moved here I made some of my neighbors very angry with my shooting,” he said. “They called Chief Montgomery to complain and he relayed the message. I felt really bad, as I had no idea how it was affecting them.”

He said if he has a few guests come from Connecticut to do some shooting, he will tell his neighbors ahead of time to minimize the negative impact.

A few residents offered remarks supporting gun use in town, others offered suggestions for compromise, registered concern about safety on trails and roads, and in the woods, all in a context of give-and-take and respectful listening.

“We don’t want to limit anyone’s right to own or use their firearms,” McGrath said. “We’re trying to find a balance that is acceptable to gun owners, residents who wish peace and quiet, and people who want to enjoy outdoor activities.”

Selectman Chris Bianchi said he thought the obvious need and market for a safe and resident-friendly firing range presents a business opportunity for someone with a little imagination.

Vito Rasenas, who was manning the TV camera, spoke up about demographic concerns.

“In the past decade we’ve lost 20 percent of our year-round population,” he said, then, pointing to Partridge, “We’ve been trying to attract people, and here’s a young couple who have moved here because of Vermont’s liberal gun regulations and their passion for shooting. It seems like a sport growing in popularity. We don’t want to pass regulations that are going to chase away people like them who want to live here.”

The board authorized Town Manager Seth Webb and Chief Montgomery to proceed with their gun regulation research and development of an ordinance for consideration. McGrath solicited input from gun owners and residents who are bothered by firearm noise and safety concerns.

Last week, several River Road residents complained about frequent gunfire sessions at a property on River Road.

Comment: Just to be clear, while quoted comment attributed to me is generally accurate it is not a quote, more of a paraphrase. It also incorporates other people's comments.
What I did say is the town needs to tread lightly with any proposed ordinances because there are a significant number of gun owners among residents and taxpayers in town who would be affected. This especially in light of the fact we are trying to grow our population and attract more visitors.
It's not to say I am against regulations protecting public safety and limiting gunfire noise. The reason this issue came up is from excessive gunfire in a neighborhood - hundreds of rounds apparently, from automatic or semi-automatic weapons. The neighbors are somewhat intimidated by these people and are fearful of retribution for complaining about the incessant gunfire, and rightly so.
This is really a case of one bad apple spoiling it for the rest.
The issue needs to be addressed and I am fully behind Whit Montgomery's suggestion of "Restricted Firearms Discharge Areas " which would limit gunfire in areas where public safety might be affected, i.e. heavily trafficked area near schools, golf course, hiking trails and recreation areas.
Vito