MISHAWAKA — A proposed gun ordinance was shot down Monday night. The Mishawaka Common Council voted 5 to 4 against banning weapons in four city buildings.

Dozens of people expressed concern at the meeting because nothing besides a piece of paper would stop someone from bringing a weapon inside.

Before the vote was taken, some council members said they would vote against it because the ordinance did not include any additional building security.

"We're here to address our grievances logically and professionally. Someone that doesn't have that intention you should target," said Chris Templeton, a gun owner.

But Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea and his attorney disagreed.

"There is a man named Cho Seung-Hui who had valid permits for each one of his handguns, but that didn't keep him from taking the handguns he lawfully owned and shooting and killing 32 people in Virginia Tech," said Cory Hamel, Mishawaka assistant attorney.

Last February, a deadly Missouri city council meeting shooting prompted many cities to enact bans.

This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled gun bans on city property were permissible, but Mishawaka remained the only local city without a ban.

"I think the standard is important for the comfort and safety of our employees," said Mayor Rea.

But Rea's plan didn't include metal detectors or armed guards.

"If they have it in their hearts to hurt someone, they are gonna. We can't legislate that," said David Wood, Common Council member.

The council decided Templeton and dozens of other licensed gun owners could carry their guns on city property.

Council members did have the option of tabling the ordinance until it could be amended to include more security. They decided against it.