Resident urges enforcement after repeated door-to-door sales; city explains peddler license

A Myrtle Creek resident told the council that sales representatives from a private security company visited his home multiple times in recent days and persistently solicited business despite being asked to leave.

"Two guys showed up at my house," Roland Simhauser said. "I asked them if you guys checked in with the city. They didn't. I told them I wasn't interested and to leave, but I had two different people come two days in a row." Simhauser said one salesperson continued to approach a pregnant neighbor after being asked to stop.

City staff responded that the city issues a peddler's license for door-to-door solicitors. "We have a peddler's license, and it is an annual license that they will fill out while they're in town," a staff member said, adding the licensing process records the vehicle and identification for each person and includes a background check.

Council members and staff told Simhauser that residents can call City Hall or dispatch when solicitors refuse to leave a property. "If in that moment they're not leaving ... you need to call City Hall because we can get somebody out there," a council member said.

The council discussion did not propose new ordinance language during the meeting; staff said enforcement and vetting of peddlers are handled administratively and encouraged residents to report noncompliant solicitors so staff can contact company owners and, if necessary, take enforcement action.

The council did not take formal action on the issue during the meeting. Staff indicated they would follow up with the complainant as needed.