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Council discusses panhandling near ramps, littering fines and possible signage
Summary
Council on Sept. 2 flagged safety and littering concerns about panhandlers standing in non‑pedestrian areas along a ramp exit and asked staff to pursue signage and enforcement options.
Council members on Sept. 2 raised concerns about panhandlers who stand near highway ramp exits where there are no sidewalks and leave large amounts of trash, and asked staff and police for options to reduce litter and safety risks.
Council Member Moore said panhandlers were leaving bags of trash and creating debris in areas near the Gender Road exit where there is no sidewalk; he asked staff and the police sergeant to act to reduce litter while respecting constitutional rights to panhandle. “They are not permitted to litter,” Moore said, asking that staff press the sheriff’s office to enforce prohibitions on litter.
Council discussed whether the ramp area is a pedestrian-permitted space; staff said there is a strong case that the limited-access right-of-way and lack of pedestrian facilities make the shoulder an unsafe and non-permitted place for people to stand. The law director, Mr. Boggs, later confirmed in the council meeting that littering on public or private property is a third‑degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine, and that littering from a motor vehicle is a separate traffic-code offense carrying a fine up to $150.
Council asked whether additional signs about fines could be posted near areas where panhandling is common and whether the local “Better Way to Give” materials could be used alongside signage. Staff said they would look into placing signage and would consult Sergeant Strong about enforcement. Council asked staff to report back to council at a future meeting with options and potential enforcement steps.
