Des Moines could expedite its homeless camp removal rules within weeks
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Illegal campsites could be removed as quickly as 24 hours after notice and violators fined under a newly-released proposal going before the Des Moines City Council Monday.
Why it matters: The change — which could take effect in two weeks if approved — would expedite the current homeless camp removal timeline from the current 10-day notice requirement.
State of play: Last month, a U.S. Supreme Court decision effectively gave cities the OK to enact more restrictive laws targeting outdoor camping, like Des Moines' new proposal.
- Groups like the ACLU of Iowa argue the rules can violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.
Driving the news: DSM's proposal is written in close alignment with the recent court decision, Councilperson Chris Coleman, chairperson of the city's Homeless Coordinating Council, tells Axios.
- Under the proposal, people sleeping in streets, sidewalks, under bridges and public rights of way could be charged with a simple misdemeanor and fined $120.
- Any personal items collected would be stored for at least 30 days.
Catch up fast: For years, business owners have called on DSM officials to do more to address problems associated with people experiencing homelessness.
- The number of unhoused people and illegal camping has escalated in recent months — with some complaints reporting blocked building entrances as well as human waste and trash in public walkways.
What they're saying: The proposal is intended to balance public health but be a harder line against those who disregard public property or shun rules, Coleman said.
- "I get very offended when people want to say we're trying to criminalize homelessness. We are not. But we do have to have regulations and rules about people's behavior," he said.
Yes, but: Ticketing people does not assist them in obtaining housing, Angie Arthur, director of Homeward, Polk County's homeless services planning organization, tells Axios.
- The group is still reviewing DSM's proposed ordinance and will offer an analysis prior to council action, she said.
The intrigue: The proposal was added late Thursday as an extra agenda item to a meeting that was interrupted by severe weather this week.
- The meeting resumes Monday at City Hall at 7:30am, when the council could waive council procedures to quickly grant final approval.
- Coleman said the timeline and early morning meeting are coincidental and not intended to sidestep public comment.