Proposed ban on living in vehicles stalls at committee

STEVENS POINT — Two proposed ordinance amendments regarding sleeping in vehicles on city property have hit roadblocks following the Public Policy and General Government Committee meeting on July 13.
The first proposed ordinance amendment would have prohibited the ability for RVs and campers to park in city property overnight. The second proposed ordinance would have prohibited habitation in vehicles on city streets and property, with a $50 fine for the offense and a $100 fine for the second and subsequent offenses.
A debate occurred during the Public Policy and General Government Committee meeting over the proposed amendments. Proponents for the amendments stated that, if approved, the ordinance amendments would act as “tools in a toolbox” and to be used with discretion, rather than being used broadly on tourists with campers or kayakers who may be parked in a city parking lot.
Police Chief Ed Orgon explained that a camper has been long term parking near Water Street, leading to over 25 calls from citizens and local businesses. Orgon said, “We just wouldn’t issue a permit to them.” Orgon stated the camper eventually moved along after a lengthy process between the habitants and Stevens Point officers.
Those opposed to the amendments shared concern over a potential “criminalization” of poverty and homelessness. Opponents stated that they did not believe these ordinance amendments to be necessary when rules already exist to address issues such as littering, public urination, and the no camping ordinance that will take effect when the homeless shelter opens its doors on Church Street in coming months. Those opposed to the amendments stated they feared that, if approved, these amendments wouldn’t help the homeless community but rather just move them along.

Committee members also expressed concern over some confusion on the wording of the ordinance amendments. The city attorney was on vacation and unable to answer questions regarding the ordinance amendments and their wording during the meeting.
“It seems obvious to me that we are not even certain what we’re making a determination on. It just seems poorly written.” Joe Donahue, District 6 Alderman, said.
Near the end of the lengthy public hearing, Orgon looked to the audience of community members. He asked, “Do you know what the issues are of the individuals that are on the street? Do you? Anybody?” After a quiet pause, Orgon continued, “I do. Officers do. Because I’ve spoken to them.” Orgon went on to explain that his department has helped six homeless individuals move back to their families, ranging from Arizona, Arkansas, La Crosse, Milwaukee and North Dakota.
“The police department is doing a lot for the homeless community here,” Orgon said to the audience, “and to sit here and to have you badmouth the police department that we’re criminalizing it—these are for chronic problems, for the officer out there every day talking to them and trying to get them help. What is the core issue that these people are on the street? That’s what I’m trying to get to. And all the homeless advocates, I don’t see you. Open up your doors and have them live in your basements, that will solve the problem.”
Orgon explained that his officers will spend shifts picking up trash left behind by homeless individuals, “We spend numerous day shifts picking up trash left all around the city. I don’t see any of the speakers out here picking up trash with us. I encourage all of them to do a ride-a-long. You think it’s so easy, come on, the door is always open.”
The Committee unanimously voted against the RV and camper parking amendment, but voted to withdraw the amendment about vehicle habitation to allow for revisions before bringing it back to future meetings.