Assault Weapon Legislation Tops Village Board Agenda

A vote on a proposed Deerfield ordinance requiring safe storage and security of assault weapons is expected when the Village Board of Trustees meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Village Hall.

After an overflow crowd voiced its opinions on the issue during a first reading of the measure June 17, the Board once again has the matter on the agenda, this time for a likely vote, according to Village Manager Kent Street.

Mayor Harriet Rosenthal announced at the June 3 Board meeting the Village would act quickly in the wake of legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly late last month giving home rule municipalities like Deerfield a narrow window to act or lose the opportunity.

Rosenthal initially wanted an assault weapon ban in the Village and quickly got support from Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) and state Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield). The measure she and the Board considered June 17 was less restrictive.

“This is all about safety. This best represents the wishes of the community.” Rosenthal said. “I’d be happy to have no assault weapons in Deerfield,” she added about her personal feelings. “This preserves our rights.”

Rosenthal was referring to the fact Deerfield can amend the ordinance once passed if it is necessary for the safety of the community. Village Attorney Peter Colbentz offered that opinion at the June 17 meeting.

The Village is one of a number of North Shore communities to consider legislation. Lake Forest is also looking at an ordinance at its Monday meeting and Highland Park passed a ban last Monday.

Almost immediately after the state legislature passed its conceal carry legislation last Month which contained a provision paring back the authority of home rule communities to legislate restrictions on assault weapons, state Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood) began meeting with municipal officials to let them know what they had to do to preserve their rights.

“This is an overreach,” Drury said about the assault provision of the conceal carry legislation. “I am acting as a facilitator to let communities know their rights and when they need to act.” He spoke at the Deerfield Village Board meeting June 17, at Highland Park last Monday and plans to be in Lake Forest Monday.

Other matters on the agenda Monday include a final vote clearing the way for a healthy food restaurant at 780 Saunders Road, consideration of an apartment project on Parkway North, referral of the idea of a commercial lease tax to the Northwest Municipal Conference and a yoga studio on Robert York Avenue.

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