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Rochester, MN City Council Handgun Resolution

 

07-07-2003

PDF version of resolution

INTRODUCTION

Citizens of the city of Rochester request the city council to accept the following resolution that asks the city to post signs which discourage carrying concealed handguns on city property for reasons of public safety. This request is based on recent legislation (State Laws 2003, Chapter 28, Article 2) that is expected to proliferate the carrying of concealed weapons and the belief that cities should have the right to promote public safety on their premises.

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Rochester endorses the statement: "Handguns and Weapons are not Welcome;" and

BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Rochester will post signs on its property with either the endorsed statement or an alternative presentation of it.

RATIONALE

The following are some of the reasons for supporting the resolution:

  • The city of Duluth, Olmsted County and other governmental bodies throughout the state have posted signs that promote the safety and preference of a gun free environment.
  • The League of Cities has requested the legislature to allow cities to ban handguns on city property.
  • The new law shouldn't have allowed concealed handguns to be carried at our city's playgrounds, parks, libraries, and recreation centers since these are family oriented facilities where children congregate.
  • Our legislators continue to ban handguns in State Capitol buildings due to safety concerns.
  • Minnesota law enforcement associations are unanimous in opposing the new legislation.
  • Religious institutions have initiated a suit against the state based on religious freedom to promote public safety in a way that is mindful of their traditions.
  • The new law allows private businesses and groups to ban handguns on their premises.
  • The carrying of handguns will increase weapons access to non-permitted individuals and children in our city.
  • The city of Rochester is recognized as one of the best places to live partly because the city has promoted tolerance and nonviolent conflict resolution through campaigns such as "Not in Our Town".