News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville City Council members did not consider the ordinance to prohibit panhandling at Thursday’s meeting.
A motion to approve the ordinance discussed at Monday’s work session by Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton did not receive a second. Under meeting rules, the ordinance was tabled. Council Member Eric Walker said he wanted to postpone the ordinance until the September meeting.
Council Member Charles Womack said later in the meeting he thought the council should consider a full package including ways to assist those who are panhandling. Cookeville City Manager James Mills said some cities hire social workers to deal with these issues. Over the last several weeks, Mills said he’s been exploring having UCHRA provide a similar program to help those who take to the street.
“They would provide this service for us, 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week service when we need social worker skill,” Mills said. “I hope to have that partially finalized by next week.”
Mills said he wanted to suggest to the council in September a three-to-four month trial. The city could see if the plan could work and would be beneficial to those who need help. Mills said repeatedly during the Monday work session the city wanted to explore ways to help those on the street including programs with UCHRA, the Cookeville Rescue Mission and local churches.
After the meeting, Walker said the ordinance just did not seem fully developed.
“I think it just needed further discussion amongst the council tonight and making sure that, you know, we’re not creating a problem for disadvantaged people to get help,” Walker said. “And I think the council wants to make sure that that avenue is still upheld. The need is there for the people who need it most.”
Council members have very limited discussion concerning the ordinance during the Monday work session. Asked why council members did not express their concerns and perhaps table the ordinance Monday, Walker said members get more input after a work session.
“A lot of times after the media has had a chance to to publicize what’s going on, we actually get a lot of input information,” Walker said. “And so as things evolve and new ideas are generated, you know, I think that you saw tonight just the need for the council to postpone this into the future.”
The ordinance prohibits the obstruction or use of sidewalks, public right-of-ways for selling items or soliciting donations, including panhandling. The ordinance would have prohibited any person from trying to alert the driver or occupant of a motor vehicle.
Mills said at Monday’s work session the ordinance represented a first tool in trying to reduce panhandling in the community. The issue has grown in recent months.
