Beware giving anything to panhandlers in Umatilla – it could cost you and them after the Umatilla City Council passed a new ordinance on Tuesday.
The council unanimously approved an ordinance aimed at increasing the safety and appearance of pedestrians at city intersections. The “unlawful transfer” ordinance makes it illegal to pass items or money between a pedestrian and a driver or passenger in a vehicle on a city highway.
The new ordinance does not ban or restrict panhandling – constitutionally protected as free speech – but does prohibit passing money or items from a vehicle on a roadway to a pedestrian. . If a vehicle is pulled to the side of the road or in a parking lot, the action is legal, but if the vehicle is on the roadway – even if stopped at a traffic light or stop sign – the action is illegal.
The ordinance is the city’s response to months of complaints from residents about panhandlers at the intersection of the Interstate 82 off-ramp and Highway 730. Residents pointed to individuals standing with or without signs at the intersection approaching vehicles stopped at the traffic light as a poor reflection on the city and a public safety issue.
Residents mentioned panhandlers or their pets almost being hit or “clipped” by motorists and said they have offered food to the individuals only to have it turned down and cash requested.
Multiple residents spoke to the ordinance Tuesday as well.
“I strongly support this particular ordinance,” said Hasu Mistry. “Honestly, we have tried and tried to help many people, and this is one situation where we need to do something.”
Only one resident – Boyd Sharp – spoke in opposition. Sharp called it an issue of conscience.
“Yes, some of them are scammers, but some of them are in need,” he said. “I just think if we don’t come up with a solution to help them … what does that say about our community?”
The ordinance passed unanimously.
The ordinance affects the entire city of Umatilla, but variance permissions can be granted with permission from the city council, such as for Umatilla Landing Days, where volunteers receive donations for parking at the entrance to the Umatilla Marina.
Umatilla Police Chief Darla Huxel said officers will educate the public about the new ordinance. Individuals observed giving or receiving items from vehicles in traffic lanes may receive a warning from an officer. Once the “grace” education period is over, individuals on the street, as well as drivers, passengers – or both – in vehicles could be cited.
“My intent is not to go out and just start citing people,” she said. “Our efforts would be to inform the driving public.”
As part of the ordinance, the city will place signs at the freeway/highway intersection that say “unlawful transfer on a highway.” City staff said signs would be ordered today now that the ordinance has been approved.
In other business, the council:
• Appointed Bill Meade to the first spot on the city’s Tree Committee.
• Authorized the Mayor to sign an amended agreement between the Department of Corrections and the city for increased sewer fees at Two Rivers Correctional Institution.
• Heard a proclamation on Police Week and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.
• Opened a public hearing on the new zoning ordinance.
• Heard a presentation about moving to centralized box units for mail delivery instead of residential mailboxes.
