FLOWERY BRANCH — Flowery Branch City Council is one step closer to amending the city's solicitation ordinance to prohibit urban camping and aggressive panhandling in city limits.
The City Council unanimously approved the first reading of the amendment at a meeting Thursday night.
The ordinance became a hot topic after the city received several complaints about an increase in people camping for extended periods of time and people asking for money near the Stonebridge Village Shopping Area on Spout Springs Road.
City Attorney Ron Bennett explained the term urban camping.
"Folks cannot within this jurisdiction take up residence in public places either by sleeping or staying there for an extended period of time," he said.
As far as panhandling is concerned, Bennett said "it's only when it’s aggressive to the point that an individual might feel pressured to purchase the item or give money" that restrictions would be imposed.
The proposed amendment to the ordinance would allow police to give violators a warning for the first offense, rather than arrest them. Also, police officers would provide the violators with information about homeless shelters and other needs.
“We want to help them, not hurt them,” said City Clerk Melissa McCain.
Council members will make their final vote on the measure September 17.
