An attempt to help police deal with homeless camps will have to wait for a second reading after Chillicothe Council Monday night.
Safety Service Chair Julie Preston could not get enough votes to pass her ordinance making camping on public property illegal, on first reading.
She said the public are upset about homeless camps, especially one behind the dog park. The police also have had "great concerns" about needing to enter them. She says they are very unsanitary, with needles and drugs - and cleanup of the camps is also a concern, with city crews probably not be able to do the job safely.
But Preston says the ordinance has an "out" if the homeless have no other choice but to camp...except, alternatives such as homeless shelters are available - so she hopes this will open conversation with the homeless.
Preston said trying to pass the ordinance on first reading was not hasty since it's already summer and the police need help to address the homeless problem.
She said her experience as a Chillicothe Police officer for 25 years helped guide her with this legislation.
Her livestock ordinance will also wait for another reading, as additional tweaks may be added. Council added FFA members to the exceptions that include 4-H kids, but a public speaker Monday said he had more to add.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture