BULLHEAD CITY – At the Dec. 17 Bullhead City’s City Council meeting an $88,000 odor control system was approved for purchase. The EG-8.2T Duage Biotrickling Odor Control System will be installed near Lakeside Dr., to help with odor caused by sewer waste.
Signage was also discussed to discourage the public from encouraging panhandlers in the Bullhead City area. Passive panhandling has been ruled by state and federal courts to be protected free speech. Cities cannot prohibit panhandling on sidewalks unless there are safety concerns or trespassing violations
City Manager Toby Cotter presented videos that portrayed the effects of installing signage to discourage panhandling and some examples of signage. The signs would say: “It’s OK to say no to panhandlers. Give instead to agencies that help those in need,” or “It’s OK to say no to panhandlers, but say yes to giving to the homeless through charitable organizations,” or “Keep the change. Don’t support panhandling.”
There were mixed responses about the effectiveness of the signs from both council members and residents. The motion to put signage into effect was passed unanimously.
The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
First step in the right direction we encourage and request that lawmakers now sign into law and ordinance that prohibits panhandling totally…we already see groups near the new shelter that being built. And after talking business owners this us what they feared and opposed and how it will effect there business and there ability to do business. And if it effect employees or ability to hire more. We see same individual at same locations and what’s call the team of 4 or 5 at there same area. Visitors and residents get tired and placed in fear or hasitat to enter or exit vehicles or stores or parking lots. Vehicles robbery up. Item taking from not vehicles thefts. Other know abandoned buildings and homes now sleeping place or squatting. Become there hang out.