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19 <br /> 2 <br /> 1 . An increase to $500 in the monetary penalty for violation <br /> of the present ordinance prohibition on discharge of a <br /> firearm within the Town Limits. (Sec. 13 of the proposed <br /> ordinance in the other agenda item. ) <br /> 2 . An increase to $500 in the monetary penalty for violation <br /> of the present ordinance prohibition on the possession of <br /> a firearm in a Town park. (Sec. 17 of the proposed <br /> ordinance in the other agenda item. ) <br /> In October, 1991, the Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime and <br /> Illegal Drug Use issued its report to the community. That report <br /> included two recommendations related to increased regulation of the <br /> use of weapons. The Task Force recommended that the Town Council : <br /> "35. Urge our Legislative Delegation to work for <br /> stricter penalties for those convicted of crimes in which <br /> a weapon is used. <br /> 36. Urge our Legislative Delegation to work for <br /> legislation that would allow localities to regulate <br /> handguns more strictly. " <br /> Discussion <br /> We have reviewed the present state and local regulations with <br /> respect to use and display of firearms. We have identified three <br /> areas where we believe additional regulation by the Town would be <br /> reasonable, consistent with the recommendations of the Task Force <br /> on Reducing Violent Crime and Illegal Drug Use and consistent with <br /> the Town ' s statutory and constitutional authority. <br /> 1 . Prohibition of weapons on Town Property. <br /> Presently the Town Code prohibits weapons in Town parks, but <br /> not in other Town facilities. Presently the Town Code <br /> prohibits the discharge of weapons within the Town limits but <br /> not on Town property outside the Town limits. State law <br /> prohibits carrying of weapons on the grounds of any school , <br /> public or private. We believe a similar prohibition of <br /> weapons on all Town-owned property would be reasonable ; <br /> however, we believe that on property used for residential <br /> purposes, residents should not be prohibited from possessing <br /> firearms. • <br /> 2 . Prohibition of weapons at street fairs and similar events. <br /> Presently state law prohibits the carrying of any dangerous I' <br /> weapon by any person participating in or watching any parade <br /> or demonstration. Carrying of an unconcealed weapon on the <br /> public streets and sidewalks is otherwise permitted by the <br /> State Constitution, as discussed in the Town Attorney' s 1990 <br />