07.30.15
On Tuesday, with very little fanfare or attention, the City Council of McMinnville unanimously passed a pointless and unenforceable ban on loaded carry.
In an email to OFF, the McMinnville City Attorney said “We discussed that our police officers could not walk up to someone openly carrying and demand that they show whether the gun was loaded or not unless there were (sic) probable cause. We discussed that, if someone wanted to, s/he could simply keep walking and not engage with an officer at all.”
She also said “While I would not say there’s been an “issue” with people carrying in our parks, I would say that the incidents are increasing and that interest in the subject is increasing.” She added “Police Chief Matt Scales was present at the meeting and stated that he supported the ordinance restricting the open carrying of loaded firearms in public places. He said he believes it’s the City’s duty to ensure that public places are safe for children and adults to enjoy without the fear of someone openly carrying a loaded weapon.”
CHL holders are not affected and non chl holders can open carry if unloaded. And police have no authority to determine if guns are loaded or not. So really, what was the point?
It seems McMinnville is hoping to become the new “go to” location for open carry protesters.
City Council of McMinnville
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Alan Ruden Phone: 503-435-2412 alan.ruden@ci.mcminnville.or.us Ward: 2 Term Expires: 12/31/2018 Occupation: Builder/Developer |
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Scott Hill Phone: 503-434-5547 scott.hill@ci.mcminnville.or.us Ward: 1 Term Expires: 12/31/2016 Occupation: Banker (Retired) |
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Kellie Menke Phone: 503-472-2742 kellie.menke@ci.mcminnville.or.us Ward: 2 Term Expires: 12/31/2016 Occupation: Certified Public Accountant (Retired) |
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Kevin Jeffries, Council President Phone: 503-434-8998 kevin.jeffries@ci.mcminnville.or.us Ward: 1 Term Expires: 12/31/2018 Occupation: Legislative Aide for State of Oregon |
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Remy Drabkin Phone: 503-560-2003 remy.drabkin@ci.mcminnville.or.us Ward: 3 Term Expires: 12/31/2018 Occupation: Winery Owner – Winemaker
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Larry Yoder Phone: 503-472-4419 larry.yoder@ci.mcminnville.or.us Ward: 3 Term Expires: 12/31/2016 Occupation: Business Owner (Retired)
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