In a meeting on Monday, June 15, the Duluth City Council read aloud for the first time a package of 10 proposed public safety ordinances.

The proposed package was announced last week by Mayor Roger Reinert, along with Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj and Police Chief Mike Ceynowa. The ordinances aim to reduce what Mayor Reinert called “Problem behaviors”. These non-violent crimes include graffiti, property damage, and public camping. The proposal would alter city code to make these misdemeanors, replacing fines in some cases – something that the mayor admits hasn’t worked in the past.

“These lack real means for enforcement, real incentives for individuals to consider resource options, other choices, and they often only serve as a financial burden to individuals who already have little or no resources. So, it’s no wonder they’re not very effective.” Mayor Reinert said Thursday, July 11.

In Monday’s council meeting, citizens packed the room to capacity, with over 60 Duluthians signed up to address the city officials. Many who spoke focused on the proposed ordinance against camping on public grounds, some expressing that they believed the ordinance was essentially criminalizing homelessness.

“We are talking about human beings. We are talking about hunger, cold and hopelessness. I am baffled that we are also talking about criminalization and penalties that might or might not let us pretend that the problem has improved.” One citizen said, adding that her mother had experienced homelessness.

Still others stated they backed the proposed ordinances, saying that it was a matter of keeping the city safe.

“It is not something to say: ‘It’s just in your head that it’s unsafe.’ There are nurses that leave the hospital every night in groups of people because of the safety conditions on our streets. I would not let my four ten and a half wife walk our downtown in the evening alone and unaccompanied. It’s not safe.” Another citizen said in support.

The City Council will read the proposal again at a future meeting before the matter comes to a vote. If passed, the ordinances will come into effect 30 days after being approved.