[Ord. No. 1242-16 § 2.]
(a)
Findings. The Oakdale City Council finds that aggressive solicitation for money or anything of value directed at residents of and visitors to the City of Oakdale threatens public safety, impairs commercial activity and harms public welfare. Aggressive solicitation interferes with the public's inherent right to use and enjoy public places without fear of intimidation caused by those persons who harass others by asking for money or goods. Such conduct can undermine economic vitality by inconveniencing patrons and thus reduces shopping activity within the City. Such conduct can discourage visitors and prospective customers from coming to the City of Oakdale for business, shopping or recreation because it creates an atmosphere of discomfort and fear.
(b)
Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply to this section and to § 19-165:
(1)
AGGRESSIVELY SOLICIT — To solicit with the intent to intimidate another person into giving money or goods.
(2)
AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE — Any electronic information processing device which dispenses or accepts cash in connection with a credit deposit or convenience account.
(3)
BANK — Any bank, banking association, trust company, savings bank, check cashing business, credit union, or other banking institution.
(4)
SOLICIT — To ask for money or goods as an act of charity or gift, whether by words, bodily gestures, signs, or other means.
(5)
HARASS OR HOUND — To closely follow the person solicited, touch the person solicited, or direct profane or abusive language toward the person solicited after the person solicited either expressly or impliedly makes it known that he or she does not want to give money or anything of value to the solicitor.
(6)
INTIMIDATE — To engage in conduct which would make a reasonable person fearful or feel compelled.
(7)
OUTDOOR DINING AREA —An outdoor or indoor dining area of a restaurant or other establishment serving food for immediate consumption.
(8)
PUBLIC PLACE — An area generally visible to public view and includes alleys, bridges, buildings, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, sidewalks and streets.
(9)
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES OR FACILITIES — Any vehicle including a trailer bus designed for carrying more than ten (10) persons and the designated or posted stop for the public transportation vehicle.
(10)
SOLICITATION —Any request made in person seeking an immediate donation of money or other item of value. This shall include passively displaying a sign or any other indication that the person is seeking donations. Solicitation includes begging.
(c)
Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person on the streets, sidewalks or in any public place within the City of Oakdale, whether publicly or privately owned, to aggressively solicit, intimidate, harass or hound another person for the purpose of inducing that person to give money or anything of value.