Council to choose citizens committee

Lancaster County Council will nominate a citizens committee to review a proposed firearms ordinance at its meeting Monday, Jan. 9.
Council will choose and appoint residents from Districts 1, 3 and 6 for a committee to discuss the creation of a negligent discharge of firearms ordinance.
The proposed ordinance, which would place liability on a shooter if a round from a firearm leaves their property and causes damage or injury, was created in response to the shooting of a horse in the Panhandle last summer.
The proposed ordinance, drafted by the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and county staff, includes several exemptions for people defending life and property, as well as for approved shooting ranges.
Timber harvesting regulations
On Monday, Council will also consider a possible ordinance regulating timber harvesting operations that could damage county-maintained roads. In a memo to council, County Administrator Steve Willis said the potential ordinance could require permits, making it easier to identify companies responsible for damage.
Other items on council's agenda include discussion about the county's new Emergency Operations Center and a proposal to use money from scrap metal sales to build an electronics storage unit for the county's solid waste services.
Closed session on Walnut Creek, more
There will be a closed session before the meeting, at 5:30 p.m., for council to discuss a legal issue regarding Walnut Creek, to hear about potential acquisition information and to hear an update from Lancaster County Economic Development Corp. President Keith Tunnell. The closed session will continue after the meeting if needed.
Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month in council chambers at the Lancaster County Administration Building, 101 N. Main St., Lancaster.
Council meetings are open to the public. Council agenda packets are available online at www.mylancastersc.org, by looking under the Government Tab and then clicking Agendas and Minutes.