HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-13 Right to use StreetsRESOLUTION NO. 95- I,-.-R
A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE RIGHT OF ALL PERSONS TO USE
PUBLIC STREETS AND SIDEWALKS AND TO BE TREATED EQUALLY
REGARDLESS OF THEIR ECONOMIC OR LIVING CONDITIONS.
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Concurrently with the adoption of this resolution, the city is adopting and
implementing ordinances and programs to deal with the inappropriate uses of public
streets, sidewalks and places and to ensure that publicly-owned property is used for
its intended purpose.
SECTION 2. The city council desires to reaffirm and emphasize its commitment to the
citizens of Ashland regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons
to use the public streets and places of the city so long as they are not engaged in
specific criminal activity. Factors such as dress, unusual, disheveled or impoverished
appearance do not alone justify enforcement action. All persons are to be treated
equally regardless or their economic or living conditions. The homeless enjoy the
same legal and individual rights afforded to others. City officials and employees shall
at all times respect these rights.
SECTION 3. The adoption of the ordinance criminalizing certain conduct within the
city is not to be viewed as an intent to discriminate against a particular group and law
enforcement officers shall enforce these provisions in a non-discriminatory manner.
The police department shall keep statistics on the enforcement activities resulting from
the adoption of these new provisions and report to the council when requested.
SECTION 4. The city has supported in the past and continues to support through
funding and other resources many programs delivering services and assistance to our
less-advantaged citizens. The city will continue to provide information about these
programs which utilize social workers and health workers and offer shelter, medical
care and general assistance to needy persons including the homeless. The city will
make referrals to social service agencies and endeavor to familiarize the homeless with
those services and programs available to them.
SECTION 5. It is the intent of this council to have law enforcement officials, local
agency officials and outreach workers periodically meet to assess the effectiveness of
the ordinance and these programs, to discuss whether the campsite removals are
occurring in a humane and just manner and to determine if any change is needed in
the policies affecting the homeless. The Chief of Police is directed to report to the
council within three to four months of the date of this resolution his assessment of the
effectiveness of the enforcement of the ordinance and these programs.
This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal
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Code 92.04.090 duly PASSED and ADOPTED this
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
,1995.
day of
SIGNED and APPROVED this J day of
,1995.
Paul Nolte, City Attorney
Catherine M. Golden, Mayor
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