Council schedules workshop to review proposed solicitation ordinance after First Amendment concerns

Councilman David Boyer (speaker 11) introduced a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating solicitation conduct within Poplar Bluff city limits after residents raised concerns about aggressive approaches in traffic islands and other locations.

Boyer emphasized the goal of crafting a conduct-based ordinance rather than a content-based restriction: "You can't, you have to make sure that what the ordinance says is not content based, but conduct based," he said. He described typical provisions used in other municipalities that prohibit aggressive solicitation, restrict solicitation in travel lanes and near ATMs, and set buffers around lines and outside dining areas.

Council and staff discussed jurisdictional questions. Boyer said he had consulted with the Missouri Highway Patrol and was told the Poplar Bluff Police Department can enforce an ordinance within city limits and may assist in highway right-of-way situations. City counsel (speaker 14) noted litigation risks in other cities and recommended showing the council the exact language. "I think we need to have a workshop item on it where it is laid out," counsel said.

Members emphasized the need for exemptions so long‑standing civic groups (firefighters’ boot drives, school fundraisers) are not unintentionally barred. The council agreed to place the proposal on a workshop agenda for further review; no ordinance vote occurred at this meeting.