Council advances two public-safety ordinances: firearms destruction and pedestrian protection (first reading)

At its March 10 meeting, Falls Church City Council advanced two public‑safety ordinances on first reading.

Firearms disposition (TO25‑06): Chief Ford presented an ordinance to amend Chapter 28 (Miscellaneous Offenses) of the city code to require the Falls Church Police Department and Falls Church Sheriff’s Office to destroy unclaimed and decommissioned firearms, when legally permissible, and to prohibit resale arrangements (rebates or discounts) with firearms dealers that could put decommissioned service weapons back into private circulation. Staff argued the practice poses public‑safety risks and recommended changing the city code. Council moved to grant first reading and schedule a public hearing and second reading for March 24, 2025; the motion carried 6–0.

Pedestrian protection (TO25‑07): The proposed article (Chapter 26, Motor Vehicles and Traffic) would require motorists to stop — not merely yield — for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections, prohibit police from stopping pedestrians for crossing outside marked crosswalks, authorize city installation of stop signs and marked crosswalks, and allow special fines for violations. Chief Ford and councilors discussed safe turning behavior and enforcement priorities; Councilmember Snyder moved to grant first reading and refer the ordinance to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT) for review, set the public hearing and second reading for April 21, 2025, and advertised according to law. The motion passed 6–0.

Votes at a glance:
- TO25‑06 (firearms destruction): First reading granted; public hearing/second reading scheduled 03/24/2025. Vote: 6–0 (Connolly, Flynn, Shontes/Sean Hiscott, Snyder, Underhill, Mayor Hardy: yes)
- TO25‑07 (pedestrian protection): First reading granted; referred to CACT; public hearing/second reading scheduled 04/21/2025. Vote: 6–0 (same vote breakdown)

Council asked staff to post materials in advance of the hearings and to coordinate with CACT on technical questions about enforcement and signage. Council will take final action after the public‑hearing process.