Proposed city ordinance to address panhandlers
Last month, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners passed an ordinance that prohibits panhandlers and pedestrians from standing in medians and interacting with motorists.
At the time, Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass encouraged local municipalities to join the county in passing their own such measures.
Wednesday, at the 3 p.m. City Council workshop at City Hall, Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore will detail an ordinance proposal that would bring similar restrictions into the city.
The presentation will acknowledge the safe use of rights-of-way, define unsafe activities and specify prohibited actions there, especially panhandling and create enforcement options. It starts with the premise that the city is responsible for the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians and says such an ordinance would reduce severe and fatal traffic crashes while improving the quality of life in the city. Not passing such an ordinance would mean panhandlers could find safe haven in the city.
The ordinance does not address homelessness with the presentation stating panhandling does not equal homelessness. The ordinance is not intended to supersede existing social services or interfere with ongoing police initiatives.
Also, IT Director Michelle Hoffman will give a presentation to council on the city’s options regarding broadband and how to provide it to residents.
Currently some locations experience slow internet speeds, with complaints increasing as people had to learn or work from home during the pandemic, especially from those north of Pine Island Road.
The city lacks fiber connectivity to commercial sites, which reduces competitiveness of business and makes sites less marketable.
Fast, reasonably priced fiber is a strong economic development asset, the presentation will show.
The city will consider three options: Wait for existing broadband providers to install fiber, install fiber connectivity to underserved areas and become a broadband provider or partner with an existing provider to install fiber.
IT will recommend exploring a public-private partnership, or “P3,” with the providers that have existing fiber assets in the city.
The city also will get an update on Waste Pro and on Strategic Planning, where Senior Public Information Officer Maureen Buice will tell City Council about the emerging themes that came out of the first community forum at the Yacht Club, such as economic development, amenities, public works, safety education and water quality.
She will also get out the word on the second community forum planned for Tuesday, June 8, at 5 p.m., at Lake Kennedy Center. That event will build on the first forum with a focus on priorities.
The city is currently developing a vision for Cape Coral and an updated Strategic Plan. The project will allow for various opportunities for feedback that will drive the content of the plan.
The University of South Florida’s Institute of Government was hired to facilitate this project and present the formal document to City Council for adoption, which is expected in August.
Workshops begin at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cape Coral City Hall, located at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com