2018/07/11 Council Agenda Packet

.3 ORDINANCE No. AN ORDINANCE amending the City's regulations concerning the Aiming or Discharging of Firearms, amending Section 131 of Ordinance No. 1145-85 (EMC 10.78.070). Whereas,the City of Everett has the power to provide for the punishment of all practices dangerous to public health or safety and to provide for the punishment of all persons charged with violating any city ordinances; and Whereas,there were 81 shootings/shots fired reported to police in the City of Everett in 2017; and Whereas, Section 131 of Ordinance No. 1145-85 (EMC 10.78.070)has not been updated since 1985 and there have been updates to State law since that time; and Whereas,the population density of the City of Everett has changed substantially since 1985 into a dense urban residential area, such that the discharging of a firearm anywhere in the city presents a reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals, or property will be jeopardized, aside from the exceptions provided in Section 1 herein or in defense of self or others as guaranteed by Article 1, Section 24 of the Washington State Constitution; and Whereas,the Everett City Council deems it appropriate for Section 131 of Ordinance No. 1145-85 (EMC 10.78.070)to be amended; NOW, THEREFORE, TTS', CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: Section 1. Section 131 of Ordinance No. 1145-85 (EMC 10.78.070), which reads as follows: Aiming or Discharging Firearms. Every person.who shall aim any gun,pistol,revolver or other firearm, whether loaded or not, at or towards any human being, or who shall wilfully discharge any firearm, air gun or other weapon, or throw any deadly missile in a public place, or in any place where any person might be endangered thereby, although no injury result, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows: Aiming or discharging firearms. 122