Council approves advertisement of ordinance on public camping amid questions about enforcement and shelter capacity

Council granted permission to advertise Ordinance 4036, a proposed change to the city code that would forbid camping or sleeping on or within city‑owned buildings, streets, parks and other public rights of way. City Attorney Alley read the proposed ordinance and staff described how local enforcement would operate under state law, including using citation authority and coordination with the police department and county services.

Councilwoman Watson pressed staff on operational details and the process for warnings and enforcement. A staff representative explained the city will first try to enroll individuals in available services and noted the ordinance "does provide for 1 citation and you have to have received 1 citation before you be subject to arrest." Councilmembers discussed limited county shelter capacity (staff noted county contracts currently provide about 24 programmatic beds) and emphasized the need for additional shelter and services if the ordinance is enforced. Council ultimately voted to advertise the ordinance, with staff and councilmembers asking for additional intergovernmental coordination and clarification of enforcement thresholds before a final hearing.

Council members repeatedly emphasized outreach and said citations should be part of a stepped approach tied to service enrollment. Members also discussed potential options such as the county establishing encampments that meet sanitary standards and using programmatic beds rather than arrest as first recourse. The vote to advertise does not by itself adopt the ordinance; it authorizes public notice and a future public hearing.