In a recent government meeting, the Lawton City Council approved an ordinance aimed at regulating door-to-door solicitation in response to ongoing complaints. The ordinance stipulates that if a \"no soliciting\" sign is displayed on a property, it will be illegal for vendors to solicit there. The council unanimously passed this measure, which includes provisions for enforcement and potential license revocation for violators.

The meeting also addressed the scheduling of future council meetings. A motion was made to approve the annual meeting notice for 2025, which proposed holding meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 PM. However, some council members expressed concerns about reverting to the previous schedule of 2 PM after a trial period of evening meetings.

Councilman Gill suggested maintaining the 6 PM schedule for January and February, with a return to 2 PM in March, emphasizing that the evening meetings were initially intended as a temporary trial. This proposal sparked a debate regarding public participation and safety, with differing opinions on the effectiveness of the meeting times in facilitating citizen engagement.

Legal counsel clarified that the council must waive existing city code, which mandates a 2 PM meeting time, to implement any changes. The discussion highlighted the procedural complexities involved in altering meeting times and the need for clarity on the original motion that established the trial period.

Ultimately, the council decided to table the discussion on meeting times until the next meeting, allowing members to review the original motions and ensure a clear understanding of the implications of their decisions. The outcome of this deliberation will determine the future schedule for council meetings and the ongoing management of solicitation practices in Lawton.