sr-082377-11bSanta Monica, California, August 17, 1977
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To: Mayor and City Council ~~~ a 3 1977
From: City Staff
Subject: Rifle Range
Introduction:
At their meeting of August 9, 1977, the City Council requested
information through a staff report on the certain items and a
recommendation regarding a possible compromise on the schedule of
Rif 1e Range use.
Background:
Petitions have been submitted to the City Council for both limited
and extended hours of operation of the City`s Rifle Range. At the
public .hearing to consider the reopening of the Rifle Range (City
Council meeting of August 9, 1977), the matter was referred to
staff for report. The Council specifically asked for information
on the following items:
1. Comparability of-air rifles and .22 caliber rifles.
The use of air rifles for marksmanship training is comparable
with the .22 caliber rifles. However, as the marksmen improve
their skills, they generally want to shoot their own weapon -
learn its characteristics and zeroing in the sights for target
practice. Competition with air rifles is rather limited and
good quality air rifles cost more (approximately $400) than a
good quality .22 caliber rifle ($70-$400).
2. Possibility of a compromise schedule for use of the Rifle Range.
Staff held a meeting on Monday, August 15, 1977, with representatives
AU9 2 3 1977
To: Mayor and City Council -2- August 17, 1977
of the Santa Monica Olympic Shooting Club (Mr. Carl Gunther and
Mr. Bud Biorkman),the Range Master, Mr. David LaTour, and Mrs. Luz
Pucci and Mrs. Vivian Hamilton, .representing themselves as concerned
citizens. A compromise schedule of range hours was worked out and
agreed to by all those present at the meeting. The recommended
schedule is as follows: The shooting of .22 caliber rifles or
pistols would be permitted on a monthly basis from 1:00 - 5:00 pm
on the 1st and 3rd Sundays and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Also,
whenever a fifth weekend falls in that month, shooting would be
permitted on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00.- 5:00 pm. (This would
happen about four times per year). It was also agreed that the Range:;
could hold their twice a year turkey shoots (two weeks prior to Easter-
and Thanksgiving) on a Saturday and Sunday.
The one area of disagreerient centered around the use of the Rifle
Range for Rifle Marksmanship classes which are normally held on the
2nd and 4th Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:00 Noon. The use of the
Range. during these .hours were unacceptable to those in favor of
reduced hours.
3. Level of staffing required and cost:
The amount of funds and staff provided in the 1977-78 budget
is adequate for the proposed schedule.
4. Breakdown of persons using rifles or pistols and income
derived presently from the facility.
At the present time approximately 45% are using rifles and
55% are using pistols. The following chart is a comparison
of the last four months of operation this year and last year
when shooting was permitted both Saturday and Sunday.
To: Mayor and City Council -3-
August 17, 1977
1976 1977
Attendance Revenue Attendance Revenue
March 386 $ 269.50 343 $ 306.50
April 544 390.25 257 231.00
May 449 257.00 121 112.50
June 338 202.00 137 128.00
1,717 $1,118.75 858 $ 778.00
5. Whether usage is by clubs or individuals and type of equipment
required.
The only actual usage of the range by a club is now on Monday
_.
evenings by the Santa Monica Olympic Shooting Club. Before
the restriction of .22 caliber rifles, approximately eighteen
members attend each night, now with only air rifles permitted,
approximately ten attend. Last year the range was used by
approximately 2,200 different persons.
Economic Impact:
Pdone. Sufficient funds are presently budgeted to cover the
recommended schedule of usage.
Recommendation:
The Recreation and Parks Department is making other improvements
to the Rifle Range which m~ lower the noise factor (adding
additional sound proofing to the baffle boards and more sand at
the impact area). Until these modifications are made and tested,
staff recommends that the City Council approve the compromise
schedule of hours of use as described in the staff request.
Prepared by: Donald T. Arnett
Edward W. Adams