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separate law that states that Cities have the right to govern rules and regulations for government <br />functions. Based on that law, the Ledgue of Minnesota Cities is advising that cities can ban <br />firearms in City buildings where the space is not being used by the public, such as work space. <br />The City would not be able to prohibit guns being brought into the lobby area or general meeting <br />places. Staff has drafted a policy that they would recommend the Council adopt that would <br />restrict firearms in the private settings of the City. Secondly staff has drafted a policy restricting <br />City employees from carrying firearms. <br /> <br />Captain Dwyer explained that all conceal and carry applications go through the Anoka County <br />Sheriff's office, which is then forwarded to the Ramsey Police Chief. To date, the Police <br />Department has received approximately 30 applications in Ramsey. City Hall currently has eight <br />entrances not including the garages. Three of those entrances would be considered public <br />entrances. StafFs proposal would be to ban people from entering the pr/rate areas of City Hall at <br />wh/ch points they would post signs stating "no firearms allowed". All of those doors into the <br />private areas would remain locked. <br /> <br />Councihnember Eh, ig inquired if the action being proposed is because of fear or is it being <br />precautionau. <br /> <br />Captain Dwyer explained that the overall objective is looldng at the safety of City employees. <br /> <br />Councitmember Kurak suggested installing keypads on the doors so that the employees can move <br />freely tlm'ough the building. <br /> <br />Captain Dwyer replied that it is something they can research, but he thought it was quite <br />expensive. ~. <br /> <br />Councilmember Etvig inquired if handguns are the only firearms permitted under the conceal and <br />carry law. <br /> <br />Captain Dwyer explained that all firearms are permitted, which is a sigrfificant loophole in the <br />law. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook inquired if staff felt the new law was a threat or a phobia because the <br />person typically getting a permit will follow the laws. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that she would like staff to receive a quote on what the keypads <br />would cost. <br /> <br />Captain Dwyer replied that he would research that information. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook suggested that staff keep this issue in mind when they are designing the <br />new City Hall. <br /> <br />-24- <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/July 29, 2003 <br /> Page 2 of 13 <br /> <br /> <br />