Lorain City Council lacks attendance to pass legislation; public opposes homeless ban

LORAIN — A lack of councilmembers in attendance on Monday saw no legislation discussed or passed at Lorain City Council. Four members were absent from Monday's session: Sylvia DuVall, D-at Large; Pam Carter, D-3rd Ward; JoAnne Moon, D-5th Ward; and Josh Thornsberry, D-8th Ward. All members were excused. In their absence, the six members present could not suspend the three-reading rule to pass any legislation before them on the first or second reading. There was no legislation up for a third reading. Mayor Jack Bradley gave a brief update on a meeting with Catholic Charities regarding the St. Elizabeth Center on Caroline Avenue. Bradley said the nonprofit may be hiring two off-duty police officers to help with security at the homeless shelter and improve enforcement of rules with its residents. If that happens, Catholic charities will pay for the off-duty officers, he said. Several members of the public submitted comments regarding proposed legislation that would look to curb homelessness. The proposed legislation, which had a first reading in early September, would see individuals sleeping on sidewalks, streets, alleyways or vehicles charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Betsy Ingram, a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, implored councilmembers to have compassion for the homeless in the community, noting many have mental illness or physical disabilities that may impact their ability to hold jobs. "To add to their suffering by punishing them for their problems is beyond cruel," she wrote. Anne Yug, another member of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, was vehemently opposed to the legislation. "Is the purpose of this legislation to make our homeless invisible to the public?" she wrote. "I do hope not, because visibility may be the only thing that will facilitate the creation of more affordable housing for our less fortunate brothers and sisters." Suzannah Beil also opposed the legislation, arguing that passing the law would not help anyone and would only make it harder for individuals to survive. Similarly, Mary Lowman's correspondence opposed the legislation. She is also a member of Church of the Redeemer's congregation and volunteers with FireFish Arts. She expressed concerns about the city's poverty rate and demographics compared to other cities in Ohio with similar legislation. The proposed ordinance has been sent to the Police, Fire and Legislative Committee for further discussion. A date has yet to be set. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.