photographee.eu / Depositphotos.com
At the Tuesday regular Danville City Council meeting, the Council took several actions before addressing a controversial public camping ordinance addressing homeless encampments. First the service of past members and one employee were noted. After recognizing the service of former Alderman Robert Williams after his recent election loss , the Council held a moment of silence to honor past members Bob Iverson who recently passed away and was a long time WITY news personality, and Lois Cooper who one of the first female alderwomen elected to the council. The passing of JoAnn Adams, long time Humane Shelter director was also noted. Then, after much public comment, the Council also addressed a proposed ordinance to restrict camping on public property. The ordinance is in response to many homeless encampments in the Ellsworth Park area. Many public comments asked for a delay in acting on the ordinance to allow time for additional input by social services. Others called for a guarantee of homeless services first. In discussing the ordinance Council members were also divided on the issue of delaying the vote. Alderperson Teague was concerned with the possible criminalization of homeless persons and the lack of alternative housing. Alderperson Mike O’Kane moved to table the ordinance and that motion failed. Alderperson Doug Ahrens commented that it was unfortunate that the City leadership failed to invest in solutions rather than spending approximately 17 million dollars on a pool and called for a organized and funded approach to homelessness. However, he said, after some 30 years of
experience with the City in his previous career, the time to pass this ordinance was now to give the Police a tool to address a long term public health and safety issue. It was pointed out by legal counsel Leon Parker that the ordinance approach was designed to avoid state criminal charges and a state record. Assistant Chief Terry McCord later echoed that point. In the end the ordinance passed with 8 YES votes. In a discussion afterwards Deputy Chief of Police Terry McCord commented that the goal of the Police was to avoid criminalizing the issue of homelessness and so sought an ordinance to give guidance and structure to their approach. He also said as far as he can remember no one has be incarcerated for homelessness. Further, the Department would work with all social service agencies to provide alternatives and guide enforcement accordingly.
Comments