Based on a complaint submitted by a resident, Hanover addressed an ordinance it has on the books prohibiting firearms in public parks in the township. At an earlier council meeting, the council asked township Solicitor Jackson Eaton to investigate the matter.

At the Sept. 3 meeting, the solicitor presented an ordinance that will bring the township into compliance with state laws.

Eaton said Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled on a case with the City of Erie where a citizen protested a ban on firearms in a park. In that instance, a pro-gun lobby had asked to hold a rally in the park, but was denied a permit because of the gun ban.

According to Eaton, the court ruled that local officials have no authority to preempt state law on where firearms are permitted. The state law does not address firearms prohibition in parks.

The new, proposed township ordinance strikes out any mention of firearms.

"This will bring us in compliance with the state law," said Eaton. The state law says, "No county, municipality or township may in any manner regulate a lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth."

The township prohibits no one but government officials to carry weapons in a park, which is a scary thought.

Councilman John Martucci said he was astonished at the possibility of allowing firearms in parks. He questioned Eaton at length about the ordinance. Martucci asked if the township could take separate action and ask for a new decision. Eaton explained that such action would be costly and fruitless.

Pro-gun activists believe that guns, open or concealed, serve as deterrent to any mischievous activity. Gun opponents assume that someone carrying a gun is going to shoot someone. Neither side seems to acknowledge the salient points of the debate.

As Eaton noted, there is an ordinance that remains in effect that prohibits the discharge of a weapon in the township. No one can come to the park and take target practice.

According to Eaton, the township needs to take its enforcement cue from the state. Any prohibitions at the state level can be enforced at the local level.

In other action, the township awarded a contract to EJB Paving for its upcoming street repair program. The bid is pending a review by the township engineer, which is a standard procedure. EJB Paving was 20 percent lower ($100,000) than the other two bidders.