PORT TOWNSEND — The City Council on Tuesday night approved 6-1 on first reading a proposal to ban camping in city parks after hearing concerns about litter, substance abuse and violence in Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park.
Councilman Brent Butler, who cast the lone vote against the measure, asked that the ordinance be reviewed later to see if it worked.
Said Councilman George Randels,”It’s a huge problem. There’s no easy way, but I think it’s something we have to move on.”
The City Council also approved 6-1 the first reading of a leash law at Chetzemoka Park, with Butler voting no.
During the discussion on the camping measure, Councilwoman Catharine Robinson said she felt it was not necessarily in the transients’ best interest to allow them to continue to do what they do in the park.
Mayor Michelle Sandoval agreed.
“I have to say that I don’t know if we can solve this problem on our own tonight,” she said.
