Traffic Commission asked to curb panhandling

FINDLAY — The Findlay Traffic Commission has been asked to consider posting signs throughout the city to discourage residents from contributing to panhandlers. A Findlay resident raised the issue at its June meeting and complained about panhandlers on private property at times disrupting traffic and being aggressive. While panhandling in Findlay isn't illegal, there are rules. The signs would discourage residents from contributing to panhandlers who break the rules, along with a phone number to report them. "It can be an unfortunate situation for people to be in the position to panhandle. The city has an ordinance that provides guardrails for individuals that choose to participate in this," said Service-Safety Director Rob Martin. "If individuals are intrusive to the general public or trespassing they will be held accountable." Commission members include Martin, Police Chief James Mathias, Fire Chief Josh Eberle, city Engineer Jeremey Kalb and Councilman Brian Bauman, R-5. Mathias said panhandlers must register with the city and applicants must undergo a criminal background check. Registrations are then either issued as temporary, for 10 days, valid for one year, or denied. If approved, the person is issued a photo identification card, including the terms of the registration. "We handle most of these calls for service as complaint-driven from the public and violations should be reported to the police department. Police officers do interact with these persons on self-initiated activity depending on the circumstances witnessed by them firsthand, known identity of the person doing panhandling or not, and/or proper ID/registration for a panhandler permit," he said. The rules City code includes a long list of dos and don'ts for panhandlers. Panhandling is not permitted after sunset or before sunrise and is prohibited at bus stops, in public vehicles or facilities, or any vehicle within the public right-of-way. It is also prohibited at the entrance or exit of any bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or check cashing business or within 20 feet of an ATM. Panhandlers are not permitted within three feet of a person who has indicated they do not wish to donate. They are also prohibited from blocking the path of a person or following a person who attempts to walk or drive away. The code also prohibits unreasonable noise, offensive language, gestures or threats, and panhandling in a group of two or more persons. The rules also prohibit making false or misleading representations, which include things like claiming to be stranded when it's not true, wearing a military uniform when the solicitor is not a present or former member of the military, indicating a physical disability when there is none, or using makeup or a device to simulate any deformity or claiming homelessness when it's not true. No parent, guardian or adult person having legal care, control or custody of a minor can "cause, allow or procure" the child to panhandle. Permits can be denied or revoked for violating the rules. Criminal charges would be considered a misdemeanor.