Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council considers first reading of ordinance to bar certain offenders from Angola parks
Summary
Council members introduced a first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit certain offenders from being on city park property; discussion focused on existing restrictions, enforcement mechanisms and the ordinance’s penalty provisions.
The Angola Common Council held a first reading Monday for an ordinance that would prohibit specified offenders from being on city park property.
Council member Matt told the council the issue has come up several times this year and that, while Indiana law can bar some offenders from residing within 1,000 feet of a park, current rules do not necessarily prevent visits to park property. He said the city checked with the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office and other communities and is proposing a municipal ordinance to bar offenders from entering parks where children’s programs and family activities take place.
Council members asked about enforcement and penalties. A council member noted the parks chapter already includes a general penalty provision and pointed out the chapter sets a maximum fine of $500; staff confirmed that enforcement would follow the existing park code penalties. The ordinance was on first reading only; council members did not take final action.
Ending: The ordinance remains at first reading. Council members said they want the parks chapter and enforcement provisions clarified before a subsequent reading.
