The Lenoir City Council on Jan. 6 adopted amendments to sections of the city code that expand prohibited uses of city property, including camping, temporary shelters and storage of personal property, and that strengthen rules for bridges and pedestrian underpasses.

Police Chief Andy Wilson, who presented the ordinance at the council's second reading and public hearing, said the revisions broaden coverage beyond parks to all city property and add definitions intended to make enforcement consistent. "This language in this ordinance amendment reflects input from legal counsel" and regional partners, he said, adding that the enforcement approach emphasizes voluntary compliance and "arrest is not our go to thing." He described a stepped approach of voluntary direction, written notice and banishment from a piece of property before trespass charges would be considered.

The measure drew extended public comment. Sharon Harmon, executive director of the locally run nonprofit Yokefellow, described years of operating a privately funded emergency shelter and case management program and urged the council to prioritize shelter capacity and service continuity rather than tighter criminal penalties. "We sheltered and provided shelter for up to 16 individuals 24/7," Harmon said, and said the community still needs a day shelter and consistent outreach.

Ben Willis, director for community and economic development at the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, told the council the regional homeless response team was formed with HUD grant funds and that a regional approach and improved data are critical to connect people to services. "Homelessness is hard," Willis said. "Our goal is to assist all 28 local governments." Several community speakers urged delay of the vote and recommended co-responder models that pair social workers with police.

Council discussion focused on clarifying enforcement standards and whether the ordinance would create new police powers. Chief Wilson and other staff said the ordinance mostly codifies and clarifies authority the city already has and is intended to give officers written guidance and consistent procedures. One council member described spending a ride-along shift with police and reported officers showed high levels of compassion and no routine arrests for vagrancy.

A motion to approve the ordinance "as presented" was made and the council approved the measure by voice vote at the end of the hearing. The ordinance amendments were described by staff as intended to protect public safety, maintain access to parks and Greenways, and address hazards associated with structures and underpasses (fire risk, traffic visibility, flooding).

The council closing remarks thanked staff, law enforcement and regional partners for their work and noted the city will continue to coordinate with nonprofit providers and the Western Piedmont COG on outreach and services.

The ordinance as adopted clarifies definitions and enforcement processes but delegates operational detail to staff; council members and public speakers said they expect continued attention to shelter capacity, outreach coordination and possible nonpolice response models as the city implements the rules.