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Gilbert considers limit on unwanted soliciting
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Gilbert is drafting a new ordinance that would restrict businesses and other groups from leaving fliers or handbills at homes with no trespassing signs.
The idea for the new ordinance was proposed during informal subcommittee meetings that have included Town Council members Don Skousen and Joan Krueger, Town Manager George Pettit, and police, judicial and business leaders.
The meetings were held without public attendees or notice.
Town officials said that with only two council members involved, the town was not legally required to have the meetings open to the public.
But it caused some interested residents to raise concerns that public testimony wasn’t taken.
Town officials said they will take resident input during an upcoming Town Council meeting, before the ordinance is considered for approval and when it can still be amended.
“They will be more than involved when it comes to the council,” Pettit said.
The ordinance is expected to be heard by early next year.
Skousen said the town heard from one resident during a previous Town Council meeting, and council members have also reviewed e-mails and notes from residents expressing opinions that ranged from a desire for a total ban on the fliers to those who enjoyed receiving the advertisements with coupons.
Skousen said he has surveyed neighborhoods to see how many residents posted no trespassing or no soliciting signs.
Of 300 homes in two subdivisions, 12 had no trespassing or soliciting signs, he said.
But, he said, it’s important the town enforce those signs in ways current ordinances do not allow, to help residents who feel their safety is at issue when people come and look in their windows, or pile fliers at the door when they’re on vacation.
“Hopefully we’ll put some protection in for people who have posted signs,” he said. “If I have a sign on my door that is visible, that advises people I don’t want any solicitors, and don’t want anybody coming up, then I think we need to have something to enforce that.
“Of course,” he added, “there are many people who want (fliers), and we’re also trying to address their concerns.”
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