In fact, passage of the measure, a vote to get city regulations in synch with recent state legislation, now prohibits concealed weapons only when there are events at any of the city's buildings and parks, City Attorney Gilbert Chichester said this evening.

Unanimous passage of the measure, which was delayed at council's meeting earlier this month, came after several concerned citizens spoke on the matter during public comments.

Jimmy Storey, president of the Northeastern Action Wildlife Club, told council that banning concealed weapons on places like the Canal Trail would be unfair to law-abiding citizens. “It would harm law-abiding citizens, not criminals. We don't get permits to do a crime, we do it to protect our families.”

Gene Wright told council his wife and her friend had been involved in three encounters while walking in a city park where they were harassed, intimidated and touched. “It seems like you're making an effort to take away our rights.”

As explained by City Manager Joseph Scherer in working papers contained in the council agenda, “This item was tabled at the last meeting for further clarification regarding the classification of the Roanoke Canal Trail under the new state statutes regarding the carrying of concealed handguns. Since that time the Roanoke Canal Trail has been removed from the list of facilities under the proposed section ...”

Under terms of the revised ordinance, signs must be posted at all city facilities that concealed handguns are not allowed in parks or other buildings during scheduled events.

In other matters this evening, Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky reported the following:

• Site plans for Sheetz have been approved, and the company is in the process of getting its permits with the state Department of Transportation.

• Family Dollar on Tenth Street has been issued a permit to increase the size of the store.