Bartlesville Considers Ordinance Addressing Public Camping, Sparking Community Debate
BARTLESVILLE, OKLA. – A proposed city ordinance aimed at addressing public camping in Bartlesville has ignited a heated debate within the community, fueled by circulating misinformation on social media. The ordinance, which would establish a maximum fine for individuals camping in public spaces, has drawn both support and opposition, with concerns raised about its potential impact on the city’s unhoused population.
Councilor Aaron Kirkpatrick, a member of the Unsheltered Homeless Task Force that drafted the proposed ordinance, sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the measure. He emphasized that the ordinance is not intended to penalize individuals simply for being homeless but rather to address specific behaviors that disrupt public spaces and negatively impact the community. The $500 maximum fine, he explained, is a provision designed to keep such cases within the jurisdiction of the municipal court, preventing them from escalating to higher courts with potentially harsher penalties. The “up to” language, Kirkpatrick further clarified, grants the municipal judge discretion in determining appropriate penalties, allowing for flexibility and consideration of individual circumstances.
Kirkpatrick addressed a Facebook post that had inaccurately claimed the city council was poised to vote on an ordinance to fine homeless individuals $500 per night for merely existing in public spaces. He stressed the importance of verifying information from reliable sources before accepting claims made on social media, particularly those that evoke strong emotional responses. The proposed ordinance, he clarified, had not yet been presented for a vote and would require further review and refinement before any action is taken.
Representatives of the Unsheltered Homeless Task Force echoed Kirkpatrick’s explanation, emphasizing that fines would be a last resort, implemented only after individuals repeatedly refuse to comply with existing ordinances and utilize available resources. The goal, they emphasized, is not to criminalize homelessness but to address specific behaviors that negatively impact public spaces and the community at large, such as obstructing access to public facilities or creating unsanitary conditions. The task force stressed that the ordinance is designed to promote public safety and maintain the usability of public spaces for all residents.
Despite these clarifications, community members remain divided on the proposed ordinance. Some residents express concern about the potential for the ordinance to be misused or disproportionately applied to vulnerable populations. They argue that even if well-intentioned, such laws can create a dangerous precedent and lead to unintended negative consequences. Concerns have been raised about the efficacy of punitive measures in addressing homelessness and the need for greater focus on providing support services and resources to those in need.
Kirkpatrick emphasized that the ordinance is still in its developmental stages. Before implementation, he said, the city council would need to refine the proposed rules, conduct public awareness campaigns, educate law enforcement officers and members of the homeless community, and ensure broad community understanding and support. He stressed the importance of collaboration and open communication in addressing this complex issue and expressed his hope for a solution that balances the needs of all stakeholders.
Despite these efforts to allay concerns, the proposed ordinance remains a point of contention within the community. The debate highlights the challenges of balancing public safety and order with the rights and needs of vulnerable populations, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration in seeking effective solutions to address homelessness in Bartlesville.
