Iowa City to consider curfew, loitering ordinance

The Iowa City Council next Thursday will discuss a proposed ordinance that would set a curfew of midnight, at the latest, for people younger than 17.

It also will consider an ordinance that addresses people who block streets and sidewalks.

The ordinances were released by the city today. The council has called a special work session for Thursday to discuss them. The council does not vote or take public comment at work sessions.

The proposals come in response to growing public safety concerns in southeast Iowa City, particularly incidents involving juveniles.

The curfew ordinance sets different times for different age groups. Those 16 and 17 years old must be off the streets from midnight to 5 a.m. For those 14 and 15, the hours are 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. And those 13 and younger must be home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

There would be several exceptions, including for religious, work, political and school activities. Minors also can be on the property where they reside. There would be no curfew for minors accompanied by a responsible adult.

Cedar Rapids, Coralville and North Liberty already have curfews.

The loitering ordinance addresses complaints that people are congregating in the streets or sidewalks and impeding traffic. State law says the person obstructing must be doing so with the intent to “hinder or prevent its lawful use by others.” The city ordinance would make it illegal without regard to intent.

Many of the other complaints the city has heard, including throwing rocks, attempting to run into moving vehicles while on foot, graffiti and chronic truancy are already illegal or can be handled by other agencies, City Attorney Eleanor Dilkes said.

For more on this story, read Friday's Gazette.