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Poplar Bluff council discusses proposed solicitation ordinance but takes no action
Summary
Councilman David Boyer proposed restricting aggressive and roadway solicitation; the mayor and city attorney raised concerns about impacts on charitable fundraisers and First Amendment issues, and the council did not act, agreeing instead to consider precise language at a future workshop.
On May 18 the Poplar Bluff City Council discussed a proposed solicitation ordinance intended to prohibit aggressive solicitation and restrict solicitation on roadways.
Councilman David Boyer said the city currently lacks a solicitation ordinance and proposed language aimed at public‑safety and aggressive conduct; he said charitable and civic organizations would still be allowed to fundraise. Mayor Robert L. Smith and City Attorney Mark Richardson raised concerns about how restrictions might affect recognized fundraisers such as Fill the Boot, scout drives and school fundraising. Richardson said he did not believe the ordinance, as generally described, would jeopardize the city's position in terms of liability under the First Amendment but recommended the exact proposed language be placed on a workshop agenda for closer review. Councilman Boyer disagreed with Richardson's assessment.
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Lori J. Phelps noted that civic organizations currently file applications at City Hall for fundraisers. The council took no action and asked staff to bring specific ordinance language to a workshop for further consideration.
