Fairlawn Panhandling Legislation Comes to Vote Tonight

The future of panhandling in Fairlawn could be decided at tonight's city council meeting. Members will meet at 6:30 p.m. in

City officials have been mulling over legislation that will regulate the city's panhandlers for the last two months. The topic first came up after Mayor William Roth and several city council members received calls concerning the safety of residents.

Council President Russ Sharnsky said there is a good probability the legislation will pass tonight, as it has already been through two council readings, and requires three. If police Chief Kenneth Walsh has any changes to the pieces of legislation, they will hold it until the next meeting.

The first piece of legislation requires all panhandlers to register with the city. The police department will perform a background check on the applicant, and issue a license to panhandle if the check comes back clean. A panhandler cannot work in the city if they are a felon.

The second piece of legislation says panhandlers cannot stand within 25 feet of an intersection, business entrance/exit, bus stop, ATM, bank, school or church.

See a full copy of tonight's agenda in the media section of this story.