07/24/2015 (updated 07/27/2015)

Town orders suspension of live fire at Spurwink Rod and Gun Club

Cape Elizabeth police have ordered the suspension of live fire at the Spurwink Rod and Gun Club pending review of the club's application for a license under the town's new shooting range ordinance.

The suspension was ordered on recommendation of a report by Rick LaRosa, of R Design Works in Kennesaw, Ga., the independent evaluator hired by the town to assess the club's safety. A safety evaluation is a requirement of the licensing procedure, and LaRosa was recommended as an appropriate neutral person by the manager of range services at of the National Rifle Association.

The town's Firing Range Committee, the body charged with reviewing applications for shooting-range licenses, recommended earlier this month that the club's application for a license be approved, but the committee also recommended the Town Council ask the independent evaluator about the club's plan for phased improvements.

The draft report, received on July 23, 2015, acknowledges the phased improvement plan, but calls for a more comprehensive approach to shot containment and sustainability, including an accurate topographic and environmental survey; a comprehensive "range manual" to address procedures; and, services of a range designer to work with the club and the town to determine the exact requirements for containment.

"Until the above steps are begun or implemented, we recommend the existing range discontinue use of any live fire," the report says.

The draft report goes on to outline seven existing conditions leading to the recommendation. all pointing to the lack of a comprehensive shot-containment system. (update 07/27/2015 - Click here for final report recommendation)

In an email to the Town Council and other interested parties, Town Manager Michael McGovern said officials consulted with legal counsel, and that the report and shooting-range ordinance was reviewed by Police Chief Neil Williams. Williams met with Tammy Walter, president of the Spurwink Rod and Gun Club, early in the afternoon of July 24. "The chief informed Ms. Walter that he was requiring that the shooting of live ammunition be suspended awaiting council action on the license application for the range," McGovern's email says.

"The leadership of the gun club is expected to meet early next week to discuss its position on the report and on the town’s action. The police chief is posting notices at the gun club this afternoon," the email says.