Panhandlers typically use crude signs with emotional appeals for help like this one.

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PANHANDLERS EYED: County Executive Tom Hickner to Discuss Issue Tuesday

County Board May Consider Supporting Controls on Public Begging

January 8, 2016
By: Dave Rogers

County Executive Tom Hickner is planning on making a presentation on his research and concerns on panhandling to the board of commissioners on Tuesday.

"I have had extensive conversations with various individuals including staff with the Bay City Police Department and representatives of various veterans organizations," said Mr. Hickner, adding:

"It appears a city or township must take action since the county does not have the authority to enact an ordinance. However, the county board can pass a resolution supporting such efforts."

The Bay City Commission last September approved an ordinance amendment that defines panhandling and locations where begging is illegal. The measure comes after officials from the Bay City Public Safety Department saw an increase in panhandling in the past year.

However, panhandlers often skirt the city regulations by working township areas such as Jenny and Thomas streets outside city limits.

Dennis Kula, Bangor Township supervisor, said the township is considering a panhandling ordinance similar to the city's. If adopted, it would become effective Jan. 21.

Andrew Dodson of The Bay City Times reported: "Panhandling is Constitutionally protected under the 1st Amendment, according to a Michigan Circuit Court ruling. In that opinion, however, it did include a provision that allows cities to regulate panhandling.

"So, we can restrict certain things, but we can't outlaw it," City Manager Rick Finn said.

The new city measure bans panhandling between sunset and sunrise and in city right-of-ways and out-lawns. It also prohibits beggars from going into the street and asking for funds.

Finn also said charitable and nonprofit groups who collect money in the streets (such as, The Lions' Club and fire departments) within the city limits would have to apply for a permit.

Panhandling within the city limits is now also illegal within 50 feet of automated teller machines and banks, at bus stops and in outdoor eating areas.

Aggressive panhandling is also prohibited, which includes:

*Touching the solicited person without their consent;

*Panhandling people in line for a commercial establishment;

*Blocking the path of a person being solicited;

*Following behind, ahead or alongside a person who walks away from the panhandler;

*Using profane or abusive language;

*Panhandling in a group of two or more people;

*Conduct which is intended or is likely to cause a reasonable person to fear immediate bodily harm to oneself or to another or damage to or loss of property.

Finn has talked with Bay County and township officials to discuss implementing similar regulations outside of the city limits. Specifically, he pointed to panhandlers at the intersection of West Thomas Street and Euclid Avenue, who, in the past year, have been holding up signs asking for money from motorists coming off the highway.

"We don't want these people greeting visitors to our city," Finn has said.

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