The Fall River City Council on Ordinances and Legislation last night advanced a measure that puts reasonable restrictions on panhandling across the city.
City Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey advised committee members that based on previous court rulings cities and towns cannot outright ban panhandling, but they can place sensible barriers.
Councilors and Mayor Paul Coogan have been concerned about the rising instances of panhandling across the city. Attorney Rumsey said placing restrictions in regards to when panhandling can take place and limiting threats to residents are measures the city can take.
The committee also received an update on the city’s collection of business trash. Municipal attorney Matthew Thomas said dozens of businesses have had their trash picked up since the purple bag pay-as-you-throw program was abolished. The city’s contracts with trash and recycling haulers are limited to residential addresses.
Mr. Thomas says the city will end the practice of business trash pick-up effective March 1.
The next step will be devising a strategy to limit trash pick-up to non-profit organizations. Mr. Thomas said identifying those trash customers is more complicated.
Mr. Thomas said the city is looking at ways to increase recycling and re-educating residents on what and what cannot be recycled.
Video courtesy Fall River Government Television
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