Gypsum Town Council set to allow firearms to be carried in town hall, other municipal buildings
Ordinance would override state law passed this year
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The Gypsum Town Council at its Nov. 12 meeting is set to pass on second reading an ordinance allowing residents to carry firearms into town hall and other municipal buildings.
The ordinance is in response to a state law, Senate Bill 131, passed earlier this year, that banned firearms in municipal buildings and other “sensitive” public buildings. The law allows towns to opt out by passing an ordinance.
According to Gypsum Town Attorney Catherine Wynn, state law already bans firearms in schools, courthouses and other public buildings. Law enforcement officers are exempt from those restrictions. The restriction doesn’t apply to the town’s shooting sports park.
Gypsum’s council on Oct. 8 had passed an ordinance overriding the state law, but had limited the exemption to only those who held concealed-carry permits.
Several residents spoke in favor of the ordinance.
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Resident Brian Brandl said the ordinance should include both those with concealed-carry permits and those who carry openly. Those who carry openly in Colorado can do so without a permit.
“I feel that’s our decision,” resident Gretchen Graber-Bailey said, adding that someone with a concealed-carry permit — which is issued by the county sheriff, “isn’t someone to be worried about.”
Council Member Bill Baker said the state law infringes on the public’s Second Amendment rights, adding that he supports the town fully opting out of the law’s requirements.
But Council Member Tom Edwards said he’d support only an exception for those with concealed-carry permits, adding that those openly carrying firearms could be perceived as threats to other members of the public.
Councli member Kathleen Brendza said while she has a concealed-carry permit, “It makes me sad this is something we’d allow. … I don’t want to opt out.”
Council Member Marisa Sato said there have been heated discussions during her time on the board, and she’s felt threatened at times.
“I don’t think it’s right for (the state) to take away rights,” Sato said.
Council Members noted that armed Eagle County Sheriff’s deputies are usually present at meetings, but noted that they aren’t always present.
Eventually, council members agreed to a full opt-out from the state law. Wynn recommended re-writing the ordinance for a second reading, which will be presented at the Nov. 12 meeting.
