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Council requests staff bring camping-on-public-places discussion to future agenda amid homelessness work
Summary
Following a lengthy discussion about homelessness and a consultant’s pending report, the council directed staff to put a discussion of ordinances and options for camping on public property on a future agenda and to pursue public input.
The Ames City Council on Feb. 11 directed staff to place a discussion of camping on public property on a future agenda, asking staff to present options and to allow substantial public input before any ordinance drafting or adoption.
Councilmembers said they were balancing two priorities: (1) waiting for a consultant’s county-wide homelessness assessment — due in April — that will analyze evidence-based practices, and (2) beginning a public conversation before warm weather when encampment activity often increases. Staff told the council the consultant is gathering community input and is scheduled to present a final report in April; staff also said the city could draft ordinance language quickly if council directed it to do so.
Council ultimately voted to request that staff bring a future agenda item that includes a discussion of public ordinances regarding camping on public places; councilmembers emphasized they sought robust public engagement and that a range of tools — not only an ordinance — could be considered. Separately, council asked staff to convene meetings with Old Town Historic District residents and to organize a spring walking tour to examine neighborhood concerns about safety and access.
Ending: Staff will schedule a future council discussion on camping on public property and will coordinate outreach and public input, including an Old Town meeting and a walking tour in spring.
