Last night's Commission Meeting

I only stayed at the city commission meeting for an hour and 20 minutes--there was a gorgeous sunset to capture.

Cpt. Baer gave a long presentation on crime. With 8,000 activities a year, he says that crime is down in Lake Worth. Vandalism is up by 41.7%, vehicle thefts up by 20% and heroin overdoes are out of control. And whatever you do, never pick up a used needle without proper protection. Cpt. Baer presentation

While I was there, everything passed on a 5/0 vote under Public Hearings and no one from the public spoke.  Millage was set. The budget was set (we're spending more money than we're making), and two ordinances were passed involving land development regulations and assigning fund balances from year 2016.

One item under New Business was pulled and will be on the October 4 agenda:  Ordinance 2016-28 which was to be the first reading adopting Palm Beach County's solicitation and distribution on public roads. City attorney, Glen Torcivia said something was wrong with it.

The ordinance prohibits a person from going upon a public road for the purpose of displaying information of any kind, distributing materials or goods or soliciting business or charitable contributions of any kind. PBSO may issue a notice to appear to persons who violate this ordinance. The notice to appear shall require the person to appear in court to respond to the municipal ordinance violation charge.

Sec. 19-87. - Peddlers, solicitors or canvassers prohibited in downtown area and major thoroughfares; exceptions.

(a) No peddler shall conduct or engage in any business activities in the downtown area or along the major thoroughfares.

(b) No solicitors or canvassers shall conduct or engage in any soliciting or canvassing activities in the downtown area or along the major thoroughfares.

(c) This section shall not apply to:
(1) Authorized peddlers at the city green market or arts market;
(2) Authorized peddlers acting as concessionaries at a special event with the express written approval of the city or special event organizers/sponsors;
(3) Authorized peddlers conducting business pursuant to a franchise, permit or other written agreement with the city; or
(4) Solicitors or canvassers who solicit or canvass exclusively for a non-profit or charitable cause in the downtown area or along major thoroughfares or are otherwise authorized by law in such
areas