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Aberdeen board adopts solicitation ordinance, updates UDO and code to align with state changes
Summary
Police Chief Bridal Chavis presented a solicitation ordinance aimed at reducing panhandling and public‑safety risks; the board also approved UDO and code amendments to update penalties and misdemeanor/infraction classifications to comply with recent General Assembly changes.
At its Sept. 23 meeting the Aberdeen Town Board adopted a new solicitation ordinance and approved related code updates to bring local rules into compliance with recent state legislative changes.
Police Chief Bridal Chavis presented the solicitation ordinance during a public hearing, saying the measure is meant to address aggressive panhandling, public safety hazards and scams. "We have a huge homeless population," the chief said in explaining the ordinance’s focus, and he described incidents of individuals standing in traffic on US 1 with signs and of people panhandling outside bank entrances.
The chief said the town attorney reviewed the draft and that the ordinance was written to cover common solicitation problems observed in downtown areas; he acknowledged the town is not targeting individuals who are homeless but is seeking ways to reduce risky behavior and protect pedestrians and motorists.
Following the public hearing a board member moved to approve the solicitation ordinance "as written." The board adopted the ordinance by voice vote; the transcript records the motion, a second and the voice vote of "Aye," followed by the board chair saying the motion carries. A board member asked whether the ordinance takes effect immediately and was told it does.
The board also held public hearings and approved an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to update issuance of misdemeanor citations for ordinance violations and an amendment to the town code to align infractions and misdemeanor classifications with changes required by the General Assembly. Town staff said the changes are technical and intended to ensure compliance with state law.
All three items were presented as vetted by the town attorney and as consistent with recent legislative changes. The transcript records no public testimony opposing the measures and no roll‑call vote tallies in the meeting record; all three motions were carried by voice vote.
