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City proposes ordinance matching state 'Forget Me Not' law on unattended children and vulnerable adults in vehicles
Summary
City attorney presented a proposed ordinance mirroring state law to prohibit leaving children and certain vulnerable adults unattended in vehicles; the draft sets age and competency thresholds and creates penalties subject to the usual enforcement and court processes.
City staff presented a proposed amendment to the municipal code to add a parking regulation addressing children and vulnerable adults left unattended in vehicles, mirroring the state’s so‑called “Forget Me Not” law.
Mandy, the city attorney’s office presenter, told commissioners the draft ordinance establishes definitions for “unattended child” and “vulnerable adult,” creates a graduated penalty scheme (first, second and subsequent offenses) and places the rule in the parking regulation section of the police code. Police staff said the city receives routine summertime calls about children left alone in vehicles and that the ordinance provides statutory authority to cite such conduct and protect occupants. The ordinance language aligns with the state standard and includes an exception when a person aged 12 or older who is competent to care for the child is present in the vehicle.
Commissioners asked how age and competency would be proven; the police chief said citations would be issued based on investigation and that defendants could contest citations in court with documentation such as birth certificates. Mandy noted the ordinance does not create novel enforcement tools beyond state law but clarifies local code for officers. Commissioners did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting; staff will continue to process the draft through the ordinance adoption steps.
