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Leitchfield council discusses draft ordinance to regulate roadblocks and street solicitations; staff to draft language
Summary
Councilors debated whether to limit frequency and locations of roadblock-style solicitations and whether a release of liability is appropriate; staff will draft an ordinance that preserves traditional events and check state highway rules and case law before returning with a proposal.
Leitchfield — Councilors revisited a draft ordinance intended to regulate charitable collections and roadblock-style solicitations in the city, focusing on liability, equal treatment of applicants and limits on frequency and locations.
Tim urged the council to consider limiting the number of permitted events per year, saying multiple groups could otherwise seek the same spots. Another councilor raised concerns that overly restrictive limits could expose the city to discrimination lawsuits if the public perceives unequal treatment.
Staff said the draft will include guidelines for applications and suggested a release of liability be required so the city has documentation of organizers and participants. The presenter emphasized preserving longstanding traditional events—referenced in the discussion as the city’s ‘crusade’—and said staff will review other cities’ ordinances, resend example language to councilors and check with the state highway department about rules for events on state roads. The presenter also said they will search for case law addressing the legal balance between limits and equal treatment and will prepare a draft ordinance for a future meeting.
Why it matters: the ordinance will shape who can hold street solicitations, how often they may occur and what safety and insurance documentation the city requires. Councilors signaled they want both liability protections for the city and to avoid unintentionally excluding traditional events.
No formal motion to adopt code language was made at this meeting; council directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance and gather additional examples and legal guidance.
