Council members raised concerns Monday about residents receiving repeat visits from solicitors, including roofers and other vendors, even when properties display “no solicitation” signs.
A council member described a complaint in which the same contractor knocked twice within hours at a property that had a posted “no solicitation” sign and asked the city to review whether its peddling and solicitation ordinance and enforcement procedures provide a clear remedy. The council asked staff to check the ordinance and report back on steps residents should take if vendors are not registered or violate posted signs.
Nut graf: The issue is enforcement and resident guidance. Staff told the council that registration of peddlers makes enforcement easier and that the city can refuse future registration when vendors violate rules; staff agreed to review current ordinance language and return with guidance on enforcement steps for residents.
Council discussion noted common door-to-door vendors after recent storms — roofers, window cleaners and internet providers — and emphasized public-safety and neighborhood comfort, especially with children walking to school. Council members suggested clarifying which activities require city registration and what evidence residents should collect before contacting police or code enforcement.
Discussion versus action: Council did not change ordinances at the meeting. Staff said they would check existing code language and bring back a recommended approach, including instructions residents can follow (for example, checking vendor registration and reporting unregistered solicitors to police). The council indicated interest in considering potential code clarifications at a future meeting.
Ending: Staff will review the peddler/solicitation ordinance, confirm enforcement processes and return to council with options and resident guidance. Residents were advised to ask solicitors for city registration when approached and to report repeat or unregistered solicitations to police.