(Atlantic) The Atlantic City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance regulating panhandling.
Panhandling on private property is managed through trespassing laws. However, public property is currently unregulated. This ordinance will ban panhandling in public spaces.
Atlantic City Councilman Pat McCurdy asked Police Chief Devin Hogue if this ordinance is necessary and the answer was Yes.
Each violation of this ordinance is punishable by a $50 fine.
In other activity, the City Council accepted the resignation of Park Board Member Ashley Hayes and to send notice that the vacant seat shall be filled by appointment. Hayes had to resign from the Board due to a conflict of interest with her new job with Southwest Iowa Planning Council. Anyone interested in serving on the Board can send a cover letter, resume and three business/personal references in a sealed envelope to City Hall. The deadline is August 26th at 5:00 p.m. The appointed member will serve through 2023 and then the position will be elected to a two-year term.
