Kodiak officials have passed a revision to an ordinance that targets the city’s homeless population.
The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports the revision approved by the City Council Thursday prohibits aggressive panhandling and camping, sitting or lying on public sidewalks. The new laws will take effect following a 30-day waiting period.
City Manager Aimee Kniaziowski says the changes were necessary because the existing code made it difficult for police to respond to reports of public intoxication, offensive behavior and people passed out on city sidewalks.
Offenders will be fined $50 for the first citation and $100 for a second offense.
Homeless shelter Director Monte Hawver agrees with the revision, but says more could be done to get homeless people off the streets, such as creating jobs and more affordable housing.
