Panhandler Legislation Closer to Passage, More Talk Tonight

Fairlawn's police Chief Kenneth Walsh will be on hand at tonight's committee of the whole meeting to discuss the future of panhandling in the city.

Council has : one that requires them to register with the city for a fee and the other regulates where they stand to ask for donations.

"Registering is what we do for all the permits and vendors in the city," Walsh said. "A few years back we passed an ordinance that regulated peddlers and solicitors, too."

If passed, the legislation would require panhandlers to 18 or older, pay $35 to get a license and cannot be a convicted felon. They have to provide two photos of themselves, admit whether they have a car and provide an example of what they sign they'll be holding will say.

"We'd like to know who we have here approaching our residents and the people who come here to do business," Walsh said. "It's something that will make us more comfortable in dealing with the (panhandlers) because we'll know who they are."

While the legislation was being drawn up, Walsh asked some of his officers who've dealt with the panhandlers to add some suggestions. He said his officers want to protect the rights of the residents as well as the panhandlers. 

"It was their idea to have the record checks and what crimes we should be made aware of, things like that," Walsh said.

Mayor William Roth said this legislation came about after receiving complaints about safety when the panhandlers are around. Some people said the panhandler acted aggressively. Walsh said they've had some incidents with the beggars, but overall, nothing serious.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

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