With pandemic as backdrop Cornelius undertakes concealed carry discussion

Aug. 4. By Dave Vieser. A divided Cornelius Town Board last night put off a decision on whether the town should prohibit firearms at town facilities. Instead, they chose to continue research on the matter and to hold a public hearing at a future date to hear residents opinions.

“This will be an ugly affair,” one town official said, explaining that any discussion that involves gun control will be divisive.

The issue initially arose in June as the commissioners were looking to clarify existing codes and ordinances.

During summer camps there can be more than two dozen children in Town Hall.

Town Manager Andrew Grant provided the result of his research on the subject, which showed that most municipalities either do not permit concealed weapons in their facilities, or are silent on the issue.

GRANT

Grant tossed the decision back to the board, suggesting that they could adopt an ordinance prohibiting firearms, with the exception of a handgun carried by the holder of a concealed handgun permit.

Police headquarters, the Animal Shelter and Public Works are by law excluded from the ordinance, and he said the commissioners could decide whether it would also apply to Town Hall, arts centers and fire stations in order to achieve greater flexibility.

SISSON

Commissioners Tricia Sisson and Dr. Mike Miltich both supported allowing those with concealed weapon permits to carry their firearms. Sisson is the owner of The Range at Lake Norman.

But Commissioner James Duke had reservations:

“I’m a gun owner and strong 2nd Amendment guy, but I do believe there are places where concealed carry brings with it certain potential dangers. For Cornelius Town Hall specifically, I cannot support allowing

concealed carry for staff, visitors, or elected officials.”

I’m a gun owner and strong 2nd Amendment guy, but I do believe there are places where concealed carry brings with it certain potential dangers. For Cornelius Town Hall specifically, I cannot support allowing concealed carry for staff, visitors, or elected officials.

—Jim Duke

Commissioner Thurman Ross also spoke out against allowing any firearms while Commissioner Bilodeau indicated more research was needed.

Seven residents commented, with most supporting the right to carry concealed weapons.

DUKE

“While I understand the town manager’s concerns on this issue, I believe they are misplaced,” said Brian Sisson, who operates a shooting range in Cornelius.

“The concern should not be someone coming into the building with a firearm..the concern should be creating another gun free zone,” he said.

“And studies have shown that concealed gun holders are more law abiding than law enforcement officers,” said Sisson, who is the husband of Tricia Sisson.

However, a number of parents, whose children participate in summer camps at Town Hall, have privately expressed their concerns about having guns on the premises.

Ultimately, the commissioners decided to do more research on the issue, and also to call a public hearing to gauge public opinion on the issue.

Draft wording

Also at the August 3 meeting, the commissioners:

—Approved the low bid of $1.8 million submitted by the NJR Group, to make several improvements at the intersection of Highway 115 and Bailey Road. The work will include adding right turn lanes to both northbound and southbound 115 as well as eastbound Bailey Road, while also extending several other turning lanes. The intersection is heavily used by buses and cars traveling to both Hough HS and Bailey Middle School.

—Amended the bylaws of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) adding bicycle and pedestrian improvements as TAB primary focus areas. The changes also designated theTAB as the Bike! Cornelius Plan steering committee to review updates as necessary, and will allow members to serve more than two consecutive terms.