Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses federal guidance and local camping ordinance; police clarify scope
Summary
Councilmembers raised concerns about a federal directive regarding homelessness; the police representative clarified Asotin's ordinance addresses 'camping,' not 'homeless' status, and said the city ordinance remains applicable.
Councilmember Tim Ottmar said residents on the east side are advocating to change the county sheriff from an elected to an appointed position and asked the council to watch for that possibility. Councilmember Steve Cowdrey referenced a 'new federal directive about the homeless' and questioned whether it could affect local ordinances.
Dwayne, speaking for the police department, responded that Asotin’s ordinance regulates 'camping,' which is legally distinguishable from the status of being homeless, and stated, 'So, we are good with our ordinance.' The minutes record the clarification without further action or proposed changes at this meeting.
