Residents press council to consider no‑solicitation rule after alleged senior-targeting sales; city attorney outlines options

Several residents urged the council to address aggressive door‑to‑door solicitation after reports that out‑of‑area vendors approached seniors with high-priced estimates. Brent Hunsaker described two incidents he said affected neighbors: one elderly homeowner was offered an $83,000 roof replacement estimate and another resident was quoted $14,000 to add leaf guards. "Not long ago ... John Day stood here and told the committee about a vendor who priced a roof replacement to a widowed senior in the amount of $83,000," Hunsaker said, asking whether the city has a so‑called 'Green River' ordinance that would limit unsolicited door‑to‑door sales.

Chad Jacobs from the city attorney’s office told the council the city previously had a solicitor ordinance that was repealed, likely following court rulings. Jacobs said the city can adopt an ordinance that prohibits solicitation when a residence displays a 'no soliciting' sign and can set enforcement and reporting procedures. "You can certainly draft an ordinance that would do that," Jacobs said, adding the city could require education so residents understand how to report violations.

Council asked staff to research whether a current ordinance exists on the books and to draft options for council consideration. No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; staff indicated they will follow up with research and a return report.