COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council formally approved updating the city’s Municipal Park Lands Ordinance Monday night to make some misuses of land and fixtures in the city a criminal misdemeanor.
Such offenses in the past had been civil infractions but it was decided to toughen up the ordinance following recent park incidents.
Coldwater Police and the Department of Municipal Servicers have encountered persons camping overnight, urinating in public, and using the Four Corners fire pit as a grill.
The fire pit was turned off by the city in September 2024 after numerous acts of vandalism were reported during the 18 months it was in operation.
City Attorney Amanda O’Boyle said the current ordinance regulating conduct in City parks has not been updated since the late 1990’s.
She said in her memo to the Council the City proposed an updated ordinance, “in order to facilitate appropriate investigation and hold individuals accountable.”
City Manager Keith Baker tried to address concerns an audience member made.
It was felt that civil infractions hindered the police department’s ability to investigate, request identification and remove offending individuals from park property.
Those charged with misdemeanors will face a maximum fine of $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
If whatever Keith Baker says ia not in writing in no uncertain terms DO NOT BELIEVE HIM!
Hi, so that is great now you’re going to house them for criminal offense? How do you propose this is going to save the County money? The update park part is great no objections, just asking out of curiosity on how much we’re going to save! Using Officers, Judges, housing, attorney fees, and food of these indigent individuals? You’re never going to recoup any money. I don’t get the concept of harsher punishment that’s all. Help me understand.