SUN CITY – In July 2013, the Illinois General Assembly approved legislation that permits concealed carry of handguns in specified locations after receipt of a state permit. It went into effect Jan. 1. Rule-making is now underway to define how and where the law will be applied and enforced.
Since Sun City is a privately owned property, it isn’t subject to state laws regarding this issue. At a recent regular meeting of the association board of directors, a motion to allow concealed carry in common areas was defeated by a vote of 4-3. Voting in favor of allowing concealed carry were board members James Van Fleet, Jerry Kirschner, and Bill Bendick. Voting to approve a ban on concealed carry were President Bonnie Bayser and directors Linda Davis, Ralph Bergstrom, and Bob Beaupre.
At the Dec. 16 COW meeting, discussion focused on exactly which common areas would be included. The original motion included concealed carry bans for Prairie and Meadow View lodges, the outdoor pool next to Meadow View, and the Millgrove Woodshop. Left uncertain was the status of outdoor areas like the Eakin Field softball facility, Tall Oaks tennis courts, bocce ball courts, Wildflower Lake and Park, bike paths, and walking trails.
Concealed carry policy on the Whisper Creek golf course is unknown because the course is independently owned by Billy Casper Golf. A spokesman at the pro shop in Prairie Lodge said he would have to consult with company officials before releasing any information.
“The only areas officially included in the ban were indoor facilities such as the lodges, the woodshop, and the outdoor pool,” Van Fleet said. “We are now reviewing this further to determine what we will do with other areas.”
Van Fleet said he, Kirschner, and Bendick voted “yes” on the motion on constitutional grounds.
“We all feel this is a Second Amendment right for all of us, and we shouldn’t restrict it,” Van Fleet explained.
New Executive Director Lauren Lee said the ban will likely include Jameson’s Restaurant and Pub, but the association will discuss this with the restaurant first.
“Since this legislation was approved earlier this year, we have consulted with our attorneys, and with the Huntley Police Department, on what our authority is and what our policies should be,” Lee said. “We hope we can have our guidelines and details worked out by the end of January for the guidance of our residents and staff.”
Van Fleet added that the challenge in Sun City is to come up with guidelines and procedures for a ban in open, outdoor areas.
“Banning concealed carry in a building is one thing, but how do you post signage and carry out enforcement in outdoor areas such as Wildflower Lake or parks with so many access and exit points?” he said.
Also attending the Dec. 16 meeting was Michael Klunk, deputy chief of the Huntley Police Department.
“This law requires a lot of administration and there are a lot of nuances in it regarding enforcement,” he said. “We are now engaged in training our officers, and we expect to complete that activity by the end of February.”
He added that police officers can enforce the law in a place like Sun City, if requested to do so by community officials.
Bob Kennedy, president of the Sun City softball League, inserted a bit of levity into the COW discussion.
“I’d like a ban on concealed carry in our ball park,” he said, “I don’t want to worry about the third baseman having a gun when I’m running toward him trying to make third safely.”
Another resident asked if she could post a sign on the front door of her home banning handguns on her property.
“You don’t have to do that, but you may if you wish,” Klunk said.
He also advised gun owners to learn when and where concealed carry is allowed and prohibited and to keep their guns securely locked up if they leave them in their vehicles before entering an area where concealed carry is banned.
“Violations of the law require a court appearance and an initial fine of at least $150,” he said. “This law will require a major learning curve for all citizens. We understand carry permits can be submitted starting on Jan. 5.”
While the law takes effect Jan. 1, it will probably be spring before the administration and enforcement guidelines will be written and communicated statewide.
“Persons wishing to carry a concealed handgun must apply for a permit and submit a lot of information about themselves, and a copy of their firearm permit,” Van Fleet said. “The process of approval could take up to 90 days.”
Resident James Darow said the board’s decision to ban concealed carry in buildings and the outdoor pool was premature.
“You should have waited until you defined all the common areas you wish to include before approving a ban on only some of them,” he said.
He also asked how detection and enforcement will be carried out in the community.
“We’re working on that now,” Bayser said.
