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Council passes ordinance restricting public camping despite calls for housing alternatives
Summary
Ordinance 4036, which would prohibit public camping on city property and rights-of-way, passed after public comment and debate; several council members expressed concern that the city lacks transitional housing or wraparound services.
Council considered Ordinance 4036, proposing a prohibition on public camping or sleeping on or within city‑owned buildings, streets, parks, sidewalks and other public ways. City Attorney Alley read the ordinance title, describing it as an amendment creating a trespassing/nuisance prohibition and providing an effective date.
During public comment, Willie Jo Schottmuller told the council the ordinance was ‘‘inhumane’’ without available places for people to go and urged the city to coordinate wraparound services, job training and mental‑health support. In debate, Council Member Watson said she would vote against the ordinance because ‘‘we don’t have a solution’’ and expressed discomfort criminalizing camping without transitional housing options. Council Member Geraldo and others acknowledged the aim of bringing the city into compliance with state statute but said the city should pursue complementary housing and grant resources.
The motion to adopt Ordinance 4036 carried on a roll‑call vote with mixed support. Several council members committed to exploring grants and intergovernmental options; one council member said they would share information from the National League of Cities about potential grants and joint solutions.
