Findlay City Council postponed consideration of a replacement loitering ordinance after extended public comment and council discussion.

Advocates, shelter staff and residents told the council that revised language intended to address disorder downtown still leaves police discretion so broad it could be applied to people simply "making others uncomfortable." Catherine Bossman of City Mission said while the ordinance’s clarified definition of “obstruct” was helpful, "if enforcement becomes based on whether someone's presence makes others uncomfortable, that is not obstruction," and warned the measure risks targeting homeless people rather than unlawful behavior.

Other speakers echoed that view and urged investment in services—daytime spaces, transportation, addiction treatment and housing—instead of new enforcement tools. Sean Mason said provisions such as an officer’s ability to order someone to move along when they lack an "apparent lawful purpose" are vague and invite litigation: "It means whatever someone wants it to mean."

Councilmember Russell moved to postpone formal consideration to the Dec. 2 meeting to allow time for further public review and for council to study revisions; Mister Palmer seconded. Council first voted to call the question and then held a roll-call vote; the motion to postpone passed and the ordinance will appear on unfinished business at the Dec. 2 meeting.

Mayor Murren acknowledged concerns raised by residents and described the ordinance as one of several options the administration had brought forward in response to recurring downtown complaints; the mayor said administration staff had revised the draft after feedback. Several council members said they were sympathetic to business owners who reported repeated problems but also said they wanted clearer, narrower language and more community input before adopting a new enforcement tool.

Next steps: consideration of ordinance 2025-134 is postponed to Dec. 2. Council and staff signaled willingness to continue revisions and community engagement before another vote.