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Health and Public Safety Committee February 21,2001 Page 2 owned or city-managed property, and common areas such as stairways and hallways in the County-City Building. He inquired whether metal detectors would be necessary in the County- City Building,and if not,how would the proposed ordinance be enforced. Mr. Bodnar stated that he spoke briefly with Commissioner Cindy Bodle this morning. The Council Attorney noted that she has several concerns with regard to passing the ordinance if a clear understanding with the County is not in place. Since one of the primary goals of the ordinance is to "provide protections", she feared that "false expectations" may be created for the public if the Council's questions are not properly addressed. Council Member Kelly stated that he spent a considerable amount of time researching the many issues involved when proposing regulations in this area back in 1994 when the initial ordinance was passed. He noted that a proper balance of the constitutional rights must be struck in order for any firearm regulations to be proper. Council Member Kelly voiced concerns about the proposed ordinance as it currently reads, especially in the enforcement areas. He agreed with Council Member Ujdak and the Council Attorney that there are many practical concerns that must be ironed out before going forward. He concluded that if the ordinance would be completely unenforceable that why do it at all. Council Member Varner inquired who would be called in the natural course of events and what enforcement procedures would be in place if the Council would go forward. Mr. Bodnar stated that anyone could make an inquiry of any individual if they have a permit to carry a handgun. If the person has the proper permit, it would be acceptable. If a person is making threatening actions with a firearm then a ticket should be written. Mr. Bodnar noted that there are approximately 100 persons who could write such tickets including members of the Department of Code Enforcement. Council Member Ujdak voiced concern with regard to the enforcement procedures outlined by Mr. Bodnar, fearing that the Code Enforcement personnel would be put in grave danger if they made such inquiries. Council Member Ujdak also cited the staff in the City Clerk's Office who handled the Ordinance Violations payments. He again noted that putting the burden of enforcement on clerks and clerical staff to inquiry about a firearm places an undue burden and would jeopardize their personal safety and that of their co-workers. Dr. Varner asked Officer Glon what would happen if a person would carry a firearm into the Council Chambers during a meeting and what procedures he would follow. Officer Ron Glon stated that he would ask the individual to step outside of the Council Chambers and ask to see the person's permit to carry the firearm. If the person had a permit, he would ask them to put the firearm in their vehicle and thereafter return to the Council Chambers. If the person did not have a permit, the firearm would be confiscated and the person would be arrested for failure to have a permit. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the definition of"firearms", noting that Mr. Bodnar stated that the ordinance is aimed at"all weapons". Mr. Bodnar stated that the ordinance is proposed to address firearms and not all weapons. Council Member Kirsits then inquired into the "excepted persons" language on page 3 of the proposed Bill. Mr. Bodnar stated that the Council could amend that section if it so desired.