FALLS CITY – City council discussed and took action on whether or not to draft an ordinance restricting the distance a registered sex offender(s) can live to a school or a licensed daycare.
Joan Stoller, the resident that requested the agenda item, spoke again on how she believed this particular ordinance would protect children in the community. Stoller originally requested the agenda item after a registered sex offender had moved into a home on her street. A daycare provider, who also runs her business on the same street, also attended the meeting and spoke to the council. The daycare provider stated to the council that she has had no issues with the offender.
Police Chief Duane Armbruster said, in the December 7th council meeting, that the proposed ordinance would only restrict where sexual predators live. He clarified that a sexual predator is an individual who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act, who has been classified as a high risk sexual offender by the State Patrol, and who has victimized a person 18 years of age or younger.
Armbruster stated at Monday night’s meeting that only 5 out of the 10 sexual offenders that live in Falls City would be considered a sexual predator. Armbruster also stated, to the best of his knowledge, none of the offenders that currently reside in Falls City have reoffended. Sexual offenders are required to register through the Sheriff’s office.
Armbruster stated many factors would need to be considered if the ordinance were to be put in place, such as a city survey would need to be conducted. He also warned council members of the possibility of law suits
The offender who has moved onto the street where Stoller also resides, did attend Monday night’s meeting. He stepped forward and spoke to council members on how, based off of his research, similar ordinances haven’t shown evidence of being effective. He also stated creating barriers on where sexual offenders reside could possibly increase the chance of homelessness and create multiple financial and personal burdens on the offender.
Councilmen Dougherty made the motion to request a draft of the ordinance be written by the City Attorney, Councilmen Scholl seconded the motion. Council members tied in voting for a draft to be written: 4 yay; 4 nay, Mayor Oliver then took action by placing his vote of nay. ..Source.. by Elise Waller
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