Weapon ban on city property passes unanimously

It will now be against the law to carry a gun or other weapon on city property or in city buildings.  The Decorah City Council approved the prohibition by a 7-0 vote on Monday night.

City council member Randy Schissel was at first opposed to the measure.  "It's not going to stop anything," he told his fellow city council members.

But Decorah Police Chief Bill Nixon said the ordinance would give police officers the legal authority to approach people who were carrying weapons.  City Attorney Rick Zahasky also said the ordinance was needed, saying "If you don't have that resolution, you can't do anything."

City council member Karent Tjossem urged passage of the measure, saying "If we can give another tool to law enforcement, we should."  City council member Paul Wanless agreed, saying "It's a precautionary measure that's probably well advised."