Homewood — The Homewood City Council on Sept. 29 held a first reading and extensive discussion of a proposed ordinance to prohibit unauthorized camping and sleeping on public property but did not adopt it, deferring a final vote until the council’s Oct. 13 meeting.

Councilor Andy Guatney’s public safety committee presented the draft ordinance and the city attorney read the text aloud. The measure would make it unlawful to camp on public property without a permit, require a 24-hour pre‑removal notice at unauthorized campsites, permit the city to remove and deem unclaimed property abandoned after that notice, and prohibit sleeping on public property or in vehicles unless expressly authorized. The draft includes exemptions for medical emergencies, permitted special events, and staged activities approved by an authorizing authority.

“Section 2: it’s unlawful for any person to camp on public property or at a public place without being first in the possession of a permit issued by the authorizing authority,” City Attorney Mike Kendrick read during the first reading. The ordinance text in the record also describes the pre-removal notice process and a potential criminal misdemeanor penalty for violations.

Council debate centered on enforcement, due process and available services for people experiencing homelessness. Several councilors urged that enforcement be paired with outreach and referral to social services; others emphasized that the ordinance was intended to provide police and other first responders with clear tools to address longstanding public-safety and sanitation problems.

Kendrick told the council he had prepared the draft quickly after the committee’s request. “I was only asked on Tuesday to start working on this ordinance,” he said, noting he circulated drafts to departments and council members within days.

Some council members and multiple residents who spoke at the committee hearing asked for more time for public review. Because state law allows either unanimous consent for immediate enactment after a first reading or two readings, the council took a procedural vote on unanimous consent; the motion failed and the ordinance was formally carried to the Oct. 13 meeting for a second reading and final action.

Why it matters
The draft addresses sleeping and camping on public property, a point of recurring complaint among residents and a source of emergency‑response calls to police and fire departments. Passage would give city personnel clearer authority to post notices, remove items and initiate misdemeanor enforcement in some cases; opponents and some councilors said those powers must be balanced with social-service referrals and careful public notice.

What’s next
The ordinance will return to the council Oct. 13 for a second reading and a vote. Councilors and staff said they will continue discussions with the police department, social services providers and community groups to refine enforcement procedures and make resources available for people who accept help.

Ending
Because the proposal was carried rather than rejected, the council can still adopt revised language at the next meeting after further review and public comment.