UPDATE: At the Sept. 29 City Council meeting, the proposed ordinance addressing encampments and related activities on public property received its first reading but did not move forward to a final vote. The council will take up the encampment ordinance again on Monday, October 13. The proposed ordinance is designed to regulate activities such as camping, sleeping in vehicles, and storing personal property on public property. It gives police a clear process to address encampments while requiring notice and warnings before removal. The proposal was drafted in consultation with the Police Department and modeled after similar ordinances in other cities. Mayor Elect Jennifer Andress added that this ordinance represents a first step, giving police new tools to address encampments, while the City continues exploring all options to support long-term solutions to keep citizens safe. Councilor comments emphasized the complexity of the issue, with public safety, mental health, and community impacts all being considered. After discussion, a unanimous consent was not reached to allow for a vote. This means the ordinance will automatically carry over to the next council meeting, October 13, and then council members will vote whether to enact this ordinance. Mayor Wyatt explained that this is a standard process, that ordinances must either be adopted by unanimous consent after the first reading or move to a second reading at the next scheduled meeting. SEE PROPOSED ORDINANCE HERE ____________________________ The Public Safety Committee addressed concerns about encampments, homelessness, and public safety in a packed meeting with residents and business owners. The committee unanimously approved drafting an ordinance to ban encampments and prohibit overnight sleeping in parks and vehicles on public property. Once approved by the council next Monday, the committee will continue reviewing additional measures to keep neighborhoods safe and explore what other ordinances can be enacted under federal and state law to combat these issues. Residents shared stories of unsafe encounters near schools, parks, and businesses, including harassment, drug use, and indecent exposure. Many parents said they no longer allow their children to walk or play outside. Police Chief Tim Ross acknowledged the increase in encounters but reassured citizens that Homewood remains safe. Robberies, for example, are down 82% over the last two years, with only five this year compared to more than 100 in past years. Chief Ross explained the challenge officers face under state law that most misdemeanor crimes must be witnessed in person to make an immediate arrest, requiring residents to report incidents and sometimes work with a magistrate to pursue charges. He also noted that a federal court has ruled panhandling is protected free speech, limiting enforcement options. However, disorderly conduct, trespassing, indecent exposure, and other crimes remain enforceable, and police continue to act within those boundaries. But they cannot pick someone up and move them out of Homewood without their consent. Council members stressed the importance of reporting every incident so police can act or direct victims to the magistrate for warrants. They emphasized that the city must work within constitutional limits but is committed to giving officers every tool possible, like stronger ordinances, increased patrols, and adding three new officers to the upcoming City budget.