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Council discusses panhandling, signage and enforcement; item kept for further review
Summary
Council discussed panhandling policies, signage ("Better Way to Give"), Sheriff Department brochures from Human Services and possible right-of-way infringement ordinance; members asked staff to pursue property-owner permission for signage and to await attorney/engineer feedback on possible ordinance language.
Canal Winchester City Council discussed panhandling and possible policy responses during the work session and decided to keep the item on the agenda while staff gathers legal and engineering feedback.
Missus Amick said the city has been clear that panhandling in the street or on private property is illegal but that people on other public property are exercising free-speech rights. The city has posted "Better Way to Give" signage and Canal Winchester Human Services provided brochures to the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office to distribute to people in need.
Council Member Shea asked whether the city had looked into additional signage and enforcement; staff confirmed they are pursuing a smaller sign to add under the "Better Way to Give" sign to indicate littering fines. Council Member Moore said he had requested the item be returned for further review while the city attorney and staff evaluate a sample ordinance from another municipality that would allow citing a right-of-way infringement; staff said they were waiting on attorney feedback and engineering input.
Development Director Lucas Hare and City Administrator Matt Peebles said private property owners control signage on privately owned parcels and staff will reach out to owners in shopping centers to request permission to place informational signage. Council discussed trespass notices and enforcement: staff said property owners and the sheriff's office can issue trespass notices and that repeat littering penalties may increase for repeated offenses.
No new ordinance or enforcement change was adopted; council kept the item on the agenda pending the city attorney's review and engineer feedback and directed staff to contact property owners about signage.
