Washington City Council discusses potential public camping ordinance

WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Like several other municipalities in central Illinois, the city of Washington is considering an ordinance that would fine those who camp outside.

The topic came up at Monday’s city council meeting, where no action was taken, but it led to an in-depth discussion.

Police Chief Mike McCoy said public camping is not much of an issue in the city, but there have been instances over the last few months where people have done so. He also noted that some of those people refused help when offered.

Washington Mayor Gary Manier said he wants the city to “get ahead of” the issue before it becomes larger.

“We don’t have a big issue right now but there’s been a couple issues. We’ve been able to deal with it and we’ve tried to get the folks help whether it’s hotel rooms or gas money or whatever they could use,” he said.

Some council members, including John Blundy, expressed concerns about whether people would be able to pay the fines, but McCoy said the fines are viewed as “deterrents” and incentive for people to not camp in Washington.

Also discussed was a fire escape located at an adjacent building to where the Tangled Roots Brewpub is being constructed. A temporary wood fire escape is there currently, after the previous escape was deemed unsafe for use.

There are conflicting views from both sides about the codes related to the fire escape, but Manier hopes both parties can come to a resolution soon.

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