By Kim McDarison
The Fort Atkinson City Council Tuesday approved a second reading of a proposed ordinance which establishes several new regulations for alcohol consumption within the city and makes illegal conduct such as urinating and defecating in public.
Language changes to city code, in the form of four proposed amendments, were presented by Fort Atkinson Police Chief Adrian Bump during the council’s June 1 meeting, at which time council gave first-reading approval to the amendments.
Ordinances and amendments that change them in the city of Fort Atkinson are subject to three readings unless council opts to suspend its rules and waive additional readings.
On Tuesday, council approved a second reading of three of the four amendments without changes. A fourth amendment, making it unlawful to drink or possess alcohol in city parks between specified hours, underwent a language change before receiving second-reading approval.
The amendment, as proposed on June 1, stipulated that alcohol consumption and possession in city parks would be prohibited between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. New language, presented on Tuesday, states that alcohol consumption and possession is unlawful in city parks “when closed, unless permitted through an authorized event.”
Language within the four amendments which passed a second reading is as follows:
• An amendment to city code making it unlawful for any license holder to permit any person to leave the licensed premise with an open container of alcohol.
• An amendment to city code making it unlawful, with a possible citation for disorderly conduct, for any person to defecate or urinate outside of a designated facility.
• An amendment to city code making it unlawful to possess an open alcohol container on any public street, sidewalk or public right-of-way unless an appropriate permit or license has been granted by the city council.
• An amendment making it unlawful to drink or possess alcohol in a city park when closed unless permitted through an authorized event.
Facilitating the discussion and fielding questions, City Manager Rebecca Houseman LeMire noted that Bump was on vacation and unable to attend the meeting.
Councilman Mason Becker noted that while council could entertain a motion to suspend its rules, waiving a third reading and passing the amendments, he, along with other council members, stated a desire to give those members of the public who might be affected by the changes time to share with council their thoughts.
LeMire said she would prepare the amendments for a third reading, which would likely take place during council’s first meeting in July.
A story, with comments made relating to the first reading of the amendments, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/first-reading-approved-for-proposed-multipart-intoxicant-consumption-ordinance/.
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