Posted: 8/20/03

Wyoming Council alters weapons rule

Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Wyoming City Council Monday night passed a new resolution regarding dangerous weapons on city property.

The vote was 3-2 in favor of the resolution, with council members, Martin English, Lynn Koalska, and Sandy Standridge voting in favor. Mayor Vern Haag and Council member Ted Phillips voted against the motion.

The resolution, proposed by Koalska prohibits any dangerous weapon on city-owned or controlled property. It does not prohibit the carrying of handguns by those with permits to do so, provided they carry the permit with them and photo identification. Nor does it prohibit any peace officer on or off duty from having/carrying his or her weapon.

The new resolution rescinds a similar one passed July 21 which required 24-hour written notification of the police department by conceal-and-carry permit holders that they intended to have their weapon with them.

Council had postponed modifications in the earlier resolution until the entire council could be present for discussion.

Phillips was firm in his opposition to the resolution because he believed it to be an attempt by the city to supercede state regulations about conceal-and-carry permits. Having such a regulation on the books sets the city up to potential law suits, he believes. State laws do not require individuals to report they are carrying a weapon, he pointed out.

Koalska questioned his concern.

ìYouíre the first one to bring it (the resolution) to the stateís attention,î she said.

While there is no enforcement, Koalska believes this makes a statement to the community that the city is concerned about safety. English and Standridge agreed with Standridge, echoing Koalska, saying the ìsafety and welfare of childrenî is a concern.

In response to a question from English, City Attorney Tom Miller acknowledged a ìpotential riskî for the city. However, one could also make a ìgood faith argument that this is consistent with state law.î There might be less risk by posting signs, as some cities have, that say guns are not welcome here, he added.

Haag said this is a difficult and emotional topic. He repeated his earlier position that the ìstate has to look more carefully at this.î

Polaris update

City Administrator Dennis Coryell informed council Polaris Industries has told Department of Employment and Economic Development that their choice of properties for construction of a research facility is the Wyoming site.

This is land now part of the cityís wastewater treatment plant. A letter of intent is being developed now, he said. The city will be contacting its financial advisors about terms.

Other business

In other business, council:

ïRescheduled the next regular council meeting, to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2, to avoid a conflict with Labor Day.

ïScheduled a budget meeting for 5:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8.

ïScheduled a joint meeting with Wyoming Township for 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, for discussion of annexation of a portion of township land owned by the city and to be considered for the Polaris project site. A site for the special meeting must be determined and announced by Coryell.

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