City Officials Considering Ban On Weapons In Government Buildings

As the state's conceal carry law sits on the horizon, the City of Greenfield has begun taking steps to determine where guns are allowed on city property. 

During the last three months, elected officials and department heads have been weighing whether guns should be allowed in city owned buildings and whether city employees would be allowed to carry weapons during work. 

The issue made its way to the finance committee earlier this week where members recommended adopting a policy prohibiting employees from carrying concealed weapons when they are working. 

Under the signed this summer by Gov. Scott Walker, citizens can carry concealed weapons starting Nov. 1, if they obtain a proper permit and undergo training. 

On Tuesday, whether conceal carry will be prohibited in . 

"We have to adopt some language so that some of the provisions of the concealed carry law would be enforceable municipally," Interim Police Chief Brad Wentlandt said Thursday. "There are several parts of the municipal code that are rendered unconstitutional because of the new law so that has to be cleaned up as well."

The finance committee on Monday is also scheduled to discuss and decide to amend municipal code related to the carry of concealed weapons. 

"The consensus today, whether it's the University of Wisconsin, MMSD, Wauwatosa, the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County or whoever, there isn't a need for weapons in public buildings," said Mayor Michael Neizke on Tuesday. 

"If that's ultimately what the council does, I'd support that. If the council says people should be allowed to carry in public buildings, I'd support that too. The only real area I see it as an issue are the public safety buildings and the library," Neitzke added.

Wentlandt said he cannot predict the common council's decision on the issue.  

"Our official position is that we will support the wishes of the department managers who have expressed a desire to have weapons banned from city facilities," Wentlandt said. 

Police officials have had several meetings with officials from other city departments to discuss the conceal carry law at length, according to Wentlandt. 

"After those managers polling their employees and having those discussions, the department managers unanimously recommended the city adopt a ban on weapons in city buildings," Wentlandt said. "There was a collaborative effort and some consensus-building involved."

The department is offering Saturday . Wentlandt said there is opening still available for Saturday's course. Classes will also be held Oct. 24, Nov. 5 and Nov. 12. To register, call the the department's administrative assistant Barbara Piotrowski at (414) 761-5357.

Earlier this summer, the owner of Robert Haack Diamonds caused a stir when he said from his building.

Editor's Note: David Cotey contributed to this story.