Greenfield Bans Concealed Weapons From City Buildings

The City of Greenfield to decide whether or not to allow concealed weapons in city buildings.

On Tuesday, the wait came to an end quickly and definitively: There will be no weapons allowed at or other city-owned buildings.

With the new concealed carry weapons law going into effect statewide Nov. 1, the Common Council voted to prohibit concealed weapons in the city’s fire stations, community center, library, Division of Public Works building and City Hall.

The city had to repeal a section of its municipal code relating to concealed weapons because it would be rendered unlawful as of Nov. 1, thanks to the changes to the state statute. In recreating the code, the city agreed to the following:

• When you are carrying a concealed weapon, you must have your conceal carry license with you or be charged with a municipal offense.
• Prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons in city buildings.
• Prohibit employees from carrying concealed weapons while on duty.

“This is an issue that was debated at length by the department managers over the period of about three months,” Greenfield Interim Police Chief Brad Wentlandt said. “The were good discussions. The managers weighed the pros and cons. And there was unanimous consensus."

The measure passed unanimously by the five alderpersons. Many other Milwaukee County municipalities have issued similar bans.

Wentlandt said organizers of citywide events such as Jansen Family Fest and the Fourth of July celebration asked if concealed weapons would be allowed.

“The answer is ‘yes,’” Wentlandt said. “The only way the city or an event organizer can prohibit concealed carry in an outdoor setting is essentially in a fenced area where you charge admission and control access. Otherwise, outdoor lands are not prohibited.”