City Council Holds Hearing on Proposed Panhandling Ordinance

The Rochester City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing this evening to get input on proposals to deal with panhandling issues. They were put together by City Attorney Terry Adkins in response to increasing complaints about aggressive panhandling in the city. Adkins says the proposals

are based on ordinances in other cities that have already been dealt with through court decisions - but he also says he would not be surprised if the city is challenged if his proposals are adopted.

One addresses aggressive panhandlers, such as those who approach vehicles, public dining areas or ATM’s. He also proposes the city ban anyone from using a public road median to panhandle or any other purpose due to traffic concerns.