Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that drones weighing more than 55 pounds must be registered. The correct weight for drones that must be registered is .55 pound or more. NorthCountryNow.com regrets this error.

By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Deputy Mayor Michael Morley wants to see drones outlawed within city limits, unless police are using them.

“I’d like to eliminate the use of drones inside city limits,” he said during Monday's city council meeting.

Morley said he believes drones take away privacy from citizens as they have cameras on them and can be used to “spy” on neighbors.

He said people using the aerial devices should do so outside the city limits. However, Morley said police should be able to use them for surveillance.

Morley said the council had been waiting to see how the Federal Aviation Administration would regulate drones before passing a law.

The FAA ruled that drones weighing more than .55 pound must be registered or if it is used for commercial purposes. nmanned Aircraft weighing more than 55 pounds. cannot be registrered in the same fashion. Operators must also be at least 13 years old. But further restrictions, at this point, are largely left to local municipalities.

Morley feared these restrictions were too lenient.

Mayor Wayne Ashley disagreed. The mayor said he wouldn’t want to see the drones taken away from kids who are using them for recreation.

Councilor Jennifer Stevenson suggested the council look at how other municipalities were handling the matter to see if some restrictions could be placed on drones, but with some legal uses still available.

Councilor Timothy Davis said some area photographers are already using drones as part of their business model. He said drones are being used to photograph sporting events.

Morley suggested a possible designated area where drones could be used, but said he would prefer to see people leave the city limits to fly them.

Aside from privacy concerns, Morley also pointed out that the drones could be hazardous to traffic or power lines.

The council took no action regarding drones, but planned to discuss the issue further.