2015/10/21 Council Agenda Packet

ORDINANCE NO. An Ordinance Amending the City's Aggressive Begging Ordinance, Ordinance 1353-87 (Chapter 9.52 of the Everett Municipal Code), and Establishing a Program to Encourage Alternatives to Direct Donations WHEREAS, approaching someone and asking for money under certain circumstances can be coercive; and WHEREAS, such circumstances include when someone is waiting in line to gain admission to an event or performance or waiting at a bus stop, where that person is in effect a captive audience; and WHEREAS, such circumstances also include using an ATM machine or an automated pay point such as at a gas pump at a service station, using a parking lot after dark, and entering or leaving a bank; and WHEREAS, some businesses owners are not aware of their authority to regulate conduct in their parking lots for the safety of their customers by making more effective use of trespass laws and working with the police department to more effectively enforce these laws; and WHEREAS, members of the public may be unaware that there are alternatives to giving money to panhandlers that may be more beneficial than direct donations to individuals and the City can play a role both in educating the public and in providing a convenient way to make donations to organizations that provide services that benefit individuals experiencing poverty; and WHEREAS, the City has authority to reasonably regulate conduct for the health, safety, and welfare of the public; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: Section 1. Section 1 of Ordinance 1353-87 (EMC Chapter 9.52), which reads as follows: It is unlawful for a person to aggressively beg as defined by this section. A person is guilty of aggressive begging if he or she: A. Begs in a manner that hinders or obstructs the free passage of any person in a public place; or B. By physical action while in the act of begging, intentionally causes or attempts to cause another person reasonably to fear imminent bodily harm or the commission of a criminal act upon their person, or upon property in their immediate possession. Is hereby arnended to read as follows: