Council debates concealed carry in meeting room; members weigh safety, training and exceptions for retired officers

The Village Council discussed whether council members should be permitted to carry concealed firearms during public council meetings after a council member requested legislation.

Why it matters: The discussion brought up personal safety concerns — one member said they have been threatened while leaving meetings — balanced against community safety, the presence of on‑site officers at meetings and the risk of escalation if a non‑law‑enforcement participant draws a firearm.

Discussion points included whether there were direct threats to any council members, where a firearm could be safely stored during a meeting, and whether the village should create a specific exemption for certain individuals. Council members noted that an active or retired law enforcement officer who meets federal criteria can fall under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), which allows qualified officers to carry across jurisdictions; the chief clarified, however, that LEOSA has limitations and does not make all locations automatically permissible.

Several members expressed concern about amending the municipal code to specifically authorize carrying in the council chamber, citing potential liability, the risk of escalation and the difficulty of creating a policy that would apply uniformly across future council members. One council member suggested a practical response: provide a locked storage area for firearms in the building. The council agreed to leave the status quo in place for now and to consider signage and secure storage options; no ordinance was drafted or adopted at the meeting.

Outcome: No policy change. Council suggested staff consider a locked area to store firearms during meetings and encouraged members who receive threats to report them to police so they can be investigated.