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Council asks staff to draft 'nuisance‑gathering' ordinance to give police new enforcement tools
Summary
Council directed staff to present a draft nuisance‑gathering ordinance under the manager’s report, aiming to give police tools to address unsafe large gatherings at stores, parking lots or streets; the request followed public safety concerns tied to liquor‑store parking‑lot gatherings and youth activity.
Following public comments and council discussion about dangerous large gatherings near convenience and liquor stores, the City Council asked staff to prepare a draft nuisance‑gathering ordinance that would give police clearer authority to disperse unsafe assemblies.
Councilman Oach moved to direct staff to draft an ordinance defining a nuisance gathering and enforcement authority for police. After discussion about process and stakeholder input, the council amended the motion so staff would bring a draft forward under the city manager’s report at the next meeting so council could review and discuss it before formal introduction. The amended motion passed on a voice vote.
Police Chief (Chief Ruth) and staff noted some enforcement tools already exist (camera requirements, occasional liquor-license suspensions coordinated with the state Liquor Control Commission) but said an ordinance tailored to large gatherings could add clarity. The chief told council that prior ordinance proposals had been discussed and that a draft with definitions and enforcement thresholds had been circulated previously.
Council members asked that staff engage community‑based violence‑intervention groups and the prosecutor’s office as part of the drafting process to ensure the ordinance is enforceable and that it avoids unintended consequences for lawful gatherings.
Next steps: staff will return with a draft under the manager’s report for council review; the transcript records the direction but not a final ordinance text or vote on adoption.
