Rocky River council votes to postpone ordinances banning camping and sleeping in parks

Rocky River City Council unanimously voted on Feb. 23 to postpone indefinitely two proposed emergency ordinances aimed at restricting camping on public property and prohibiting sleeping in municipal parks.

Councilmember Robert Hunt introduced Ordinance No. 50-25, which would have amended the city code to prohibit camping on public property and within rights-of-way. Hunt told colleagues the council should give the administration time to pursue potential agreements that could address related issues and moved to postpone the ordinance; Councilmember Christina Morris seconded the motion. The council recorded a 7–0 vote in favor of postponement.

Council then applied the same approach to Ordinance No. 51-25, which would have barred sleeping in municipal parks. Hunt said his earlier comments applied to this measure as well; he moved to postpone 51-25, seconded by Councilmember Furry, and the motion passed 7–0.

Members discussed, without taking formal action, Ordinance No. 52-25, a proposed change to the traffic code to prohibit operation of low-speed and under-speed vehicles. President Shipp said he envisions separate discussions for e-bikes and scooters, and asked members to review past notes in preparation for future debate. Council agreed to keep 52-25 on the docket for later consideration.

President Shipp and other council members said the postponements reflected prudence while administrators continue negotiating potential non-legislative solutions and reviewing enforcement implications. No public comments were recorded at the meeting about the ordinances.

Next steps: The ordinances remain on the council’s list of pending business; council members said they expect additional administrative work and possible alternative agreements before revisiting the subject.