[MissoulaGov] Committee Update 9-30-09

[Derek Goldman]

On another note, the update from Conservation is AWESOME! A huge thanks to the Anderson's for the donation, and to Jackie C. and the Parks staff, the RMEF, the Consv Committee, and others involved in making this easement happen. And for a city contribution of less than 2 % of the appraised value?! This is a no-brainer! Mr. Haines' opposition to this is incomprehensible to me. Thanks! 


 
 
 



From: BJaffe at ci.missoula.mt.us
To: missoulagov at cmslists.com
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:54:11 -0600
Subject: [MissoulaGov] Committee Update 9-30-09
















Greetings,

 

In Public Safety this morning we took up the Pedestrian
Interference Ordinance.  

http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2185

The existing ordinance restricts people from blocking the
sidewalk.  The amended language we were considering would also make it
illegal to sleep or lie down on the sidewalk even if you are not interfering
with pedestrians.  I moved to amend the language to say that people could
not lie or sleep on the sidewalk within 12 feet of the entrance to a
business.  I thought this was a good compromise that addresses the issue
of people feeling impeded from entering a business but does not make it illegal
for homeless people to exist in public. The room was full of downtown business
owners who really want us to pass an ordinance that will make the homeless
people disappear. I sympathize with them. Retail is really challenging. There
is a lot of competition and little things can win or lose customers. I do my
best to support our downtown businesses, both on council and with my wallet.
But I’m not going to vote to criminalize homelessness.