The tabling of the matter, which would adjust Chapter 131 of the city's Offenses Against Public Peace and Safety ordinance to reflect recent changes in state law, came after Councilman Wayne Smith requested that concealed weapons be allowed on the Roanoke Canal Trail.

Smith referred to a section of the ordinance that allows concealed weapons on greenways and walking trails.

In working papers contained in this evening's agenda packet, City Manager Joseph Scherer wrote, “The North Carolina General Assembly has again amended the General Statutes that establish limitations on municipal regulations related to the carrying of concealed handguns.”

The document continued, “These changes relate to the definitions of areas of local government property wherein the concealed carry of handguns can be regulated.”

Scherer said the purpose was to make the local laws dovetail with the requirements of the amended state law.

Smith said he wanted to see the Canal Trail taken off the list.

While City Attorney Gilbert Chichester said he agreed with Smith in principle, he told the councilman, “All of the city facilities have to be listed.”

Said Smith: “If a citizen goes with a concealed handgun he has to tell an officer. If some criminal comes over, he doesn't have to tell an officer anything. I feel it's taking rights away from people who can legally carry a gun.”

Mayor Emery Doughtie said it's important the city does this legally and then asked if there could be some clarification of the state law from the Institute of Government.

Council agreed to delay the matter for further clarification from the state.

As currently proposed, it would be unlawful to carry a concealed handgun during an organized event scheduled with the city. That includes all parks; T.J. Davis; indoor and outdoor pools; the Jo Story Senior Center; the library; Kirkwood Adams; the Roanoke Canal Museum; Ledgerwood and the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.