Washington’s City Council, during its meeting Monday, is expected to discuss changes in state law regarding prohibitions on carrying concealed weapons in public recreation areas.
In a memorandum to City Manager Josh Kay, Mick Reed, chief of the Washington Police Department, recommends Section 20-15 of the city’s ordinances be amended to include specific areas/facilities where the carrying of concealed weapons would be prohibited. Those areas and facilities include the following:
• Havens Gardens;
• Bug House Park;
• Seventh Street Park;
• Papa’s Playground (Festival Park);
• 15th Street basketball courts;
• PCM Skate Park;
• Susiegrey McConnell Sports Complex;
• Hildred T. Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center;
• Bobby Andrews Recreation Center;
• Little Tar Heel League fields (West Third Street).
The amendment, if approved, would cover parking lots, shelters, bleachers, concession stands and other areas considered part of a playground or recreational/sports facility.
The council also is scheduled to discuss regulations governing the use of Festival Park, located on the waterfront off Stewart Parkway.
In other business, the council is expected to consider accept a $2,500 bid from Mosley Construction Co. of Greenville to provide engineering and design services for the Civic Center deck project.
At its July 18 meeting, the council learned the Civic Center’s deck needs replacing as soon as possible.
An inspection performed by Wayne Harrell, the city’s chief building official, confirms that. Harrell’s inspection and subsequent report on the decking came after Lynn Lewis, director of the Washington Tourism Development Authority, asked Harrell to evaluate the Civic Center’s deck. WTDA manages the Civic Center.
Mosley Construction submitted the lowest bid of three bids, all submitted by Greenville-based firms.
The council’s entire agenda may be obtained by visiting the city’s website at www.washington-nc.com. The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St.