Des Moines OKs camping ban after Corridor officials object

A group of locally elected officials, mainly from Eastern Iowa, implored the Des Moines City Council to delay final approval of rules banning public camping in that city.

But the Des Moines council, meeting Monday night, approved the ordinance 5-2 on the final of three considerations. The rules had been adjusted since the ordinance first was introduced and the proposed fine for violators had been cut from $150 to $15.

“ … We ask you to table this final vote and allow more time for best practices to be studied, for us to work together as a statewide coalition to find better ways to support our Iowans in need other than criminalizing the homelessness they are experiencing,” a letter sent before the vote stated.

Originally introduced in July, the Des Moines ordinance comes after a U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in June that cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places. In a 6-3 decision, the court said such bans don’t qualify as cruel and unusual punishment and therefore don’t violate the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment.

Under the proposed Des Moines ordinance, anyone found in violation would commit a simple misdemeanor, which wouldn’t include jail time, and could be fined $15. If shelter space in the city isn’t available, a camper may not be penalized. If a person is unable to pay the fine, it will be waived. Minors would not be penalized under the ordinance.

A responding officer would offer directions or transportation to a shelter. Campers who refuse shelter, or do not vacate the property, would be in violation of the ordinance.

Elected officials signing the letter to object to the ban were: Jon Green and V Fixmer-Oraiz from the Johnson County Board of Supervisors; Laura Bergus from the Iowa City Council; Hai Hyunh from the Coralville City Council; Ashley Vanorny from the Cedar Rapids City Council; Aime Wichtendahl from the Hiawatha City Council; Gage Miskimen from the Marion City Council; Ben Rogers from the Linn County Board of Supervisors; and Joseph Jones, Lauren Campbell and Threase Harms from the Windsor Heights City Council, near Des Moines.

“Criminalization of any kind is not the answer and from local electeds to another we want to work with you on a better way forward. What happens in one Iowa city and county impacts the rest of us and we truly want to see Iowa be a welcoming place for all to call home,” the letter stated.

The letter asked Des Moines to work with the National Alliance to End Homelessness and to explore “root causes” of housing issues in the city. The alliance has worked with Cedar Rapids and Linn County on ways to address homeless.

Comments: megan.woolard@thegazette.com