City urges people to report panhandling violations
Kalispell City Hall is seen at the corner of First Avenue East and Second Street East in this July 21, 2021, file photo. (Chad Sokol/Daily Inter Lake)
An ordinance banning transfers of property between motor vehicles and pedestrians on Kalispell roadways went into effect Wednesday, according to an announcement by the city clerk’s office.
The law applies to pedestrians as well as motorists, and can be punishable by a fine of up to $500 under city code.
“This means that people trying to sell things or ask for donations and enter the road, or people in vehicles who stop to exchange money or items while in the road are in violation and may receive a penalty,” reads the announcement.
The ordinance passed on a six to three vote in March. Opposed council members said that they felt existing ordinances prohibiting panhandling in intersections and disorderly driving went far enough. Previous panhandling ordinances did not hold motorists liable.
“I don’t see the need for the ordinance,” Councilor Ryan Hunter said. “We’ve had complaints about panhandling for 10 years and despite that we haven’t had a single example of an accident that has been caused by panhandling.”
Council moved to expand the laws after Councilor Chad Graham said in February that panhandling had become so prevalent that it posed a safety hazard. He later said that he supported panhandling on private property, but saw the ordinance as an attempt to maintain the free flow of traffic on city streets.
The city’s announcement encourages residents to report violations by calling 911 or the Kalispell Police Department non-emergency number.
City Attorney Johnna Preble said that violators will receive a ticket and can either plead guilty or go to court.
Judge Allison Howard declined to say the amount she would fine people convicted of violating the ordinance, saying that she would review the wording of the new law.
Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com