The Fruita City Council debated a municipal ordinance on firearms and then approved the consent agenda that included the measure on July 8. The ordinance (2025-13) would amend the municipal code to allow concealed firearms under the city's permit rules in the civic center except when the municipal court is in session; open carry remains prohibited and exceptions are provided for law enforcement and authorized security.

During the public participation segment two residents urged the council to keep the Civic Center free from firearms. "Allowing firearms in this space undermines the very values laid out in Fruita's civility proclamation," said Angie Nalin, who gave her address for the record. "A firearm, even a legally carried one, can shift the tone from open dialogue to one of fear and caution. The Civic Center should be a place for ideas and not weapons."

Thomas Wells, who said he serves on the planning commission and works professionally as a data scientist, told council that having weapons displayed publicly can change how younger residents engage with elected officials and asked for more context about the ordinance's origin and intent. "I couldn't find enough information for me to be satisfied in understanding where this is coming from," he said, and said he would submit written comments.

Council discussion included personal safety concerns and the balance between local control and state law. Councilor Aaron (first name used in the record) said he intended to support the code change and described his reasons, including a personal account of being at Columbine during the school shooting. Councilor Janine (surname not stated) said the city had discussed the matter in several open workshops and described the building's lack of screening or security measures as a practical reason to allow concealed carry; other councilors said they were weighed between public-safety concerns and respect for the state legislative change.

The consent motion to approve the agenda as amended passed 6-0; Councilor Parrish explicitly noted he voted "no" on the second reading of ordinance 2025-13 (the weapons item) when the consent motion was called, but the consent package overall passed. No further regulatory action or implementation steps beyond the ordinance text were taken at the meeting.

Ending: Councilors and staff said the matter had been the subject of multiple workshops and public discussion; several councilors asked staff to continue outreach and make sure the public record and ordinance language are clear before the ordinance takes effect.