Minutes 1996 1118 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

• Minutes - City of San Leandro City Council and Page - 4 - Redevelopment Agency Meeting - November 18, 1996 Mr. Jermanis clarified that there are seven, licensed firearms dealers in San Leandro, and five are subject to this tax. He said Traders would be most directly affected. The Hearing was then opened to the public. 3.1 Joel Hartz, 13125 Neptune Drive, noted the number of gun dealers in Berkeley - none; and, yet, they have passed an ordinance. He said this is a political issue. He said the number of handguns has doubled in recent years, but the murder rate has not followed that trend. He opposes the tax. 3.2 Nathan Zeliff, 18 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon, said he is an attorney in San Ramon and that this is hypocrisy. He said citizens are being targeted rather than criminals. He said this is a political agenda; the Council is not concerned about safety. He opposes the tax. He said it is a step toward reducing gun ownership; it is an attack on businesses. He said it is discriminatory and that there is a right to personal defense set forth in the 2nd Amendment. He recommends Eddie the Eagle educational course. 3.3 Reuben Vargas, 564 East 14th Street, said there are no registered firearms dealers in Berkeley. He said he is a firearms dealer and would be affected. He opposes the tax. He said it would affect retail sales. He noted that, since the Ordinance was passed, 70 Saturday Night Specials have been brought to him, and he has turned them down. He said Proposition 218 has "spoken the word of the people." • 3.4 Lou Filipovich, 15376 Laverne Drive, said there was confusion regarding passing the Ordinance. He said they cannot enforce ordinances properly. He wants them to put it to a vote of the people. 3.5 Nancy Bone', 685 East 14th Street, submitted a letter to the Clerk for submission to the Council. She read the letter in opposition to the tax and noted the potential financial loss to the City. She said Traders will no longer remain competitive. She said this is discrimination. 3.6 John Timothy, 813 San Leandro Boulevard, said he is not a fan of handguns but disagrees with the tax Ordinance. He said it would be more effective to make the firearms illegal. He said, if the business leaves, the guns will still be out on the streets. 3.7 Steve Perry, 1604 - 141st Avenue, said it is discriminatory, and there is nothing in the Ordinance to reduce crime. He said it would significantly impact his business.