In response to concerns from residents, the Hampton City Council passed a new ordinance at its April 9 regular meeting that makes changes to the city’s code regarding solicitations.
The purpose for the action, as expressed in a city staff report, was “to address complaints that solicitors and peddlers have approached residents at obscene hours creating alarm for safety.”
All such individuals wishing to do business within the city must have obtained licensing from City Hall at least one week in advance of the planned business period, and the information provided for that license must include proof of liability insurance and signed authorization for the city to complete a criminal background check on the applicant.
“A separate license and fee is required for each person intending to peddle, sell, or engage in transient selling in the city,” according to the amended code section. “Licenses issued for transient selling shall be issued for a period of consecutive seven days or less and are only valid for those days between the hours of 9 a.m. through 7 p.m.”
In other business, the council approved a new rental fee structure for use of city-owned facilities and properties. Available sites listed under the plan include the Catherine S. Williams Community Center at the Fortson Building and Garden; the Historic Train Depot; the Terry F. Jones Depot Park; McBrayer Park; and the Old Shop Property.
There is no charge for official city-sponsored events or meetings at any of these locations. Such events must be approved by the City Council.
All properties require a $250 deposit up front for use. Each site has a set price for eight hours of use and an hourly rate for additional time up to a maximum of ten hours. Prices for city residents or employees are slightly lower than for non-residents. There are additional fees listed for police service, setup or breakdown, audio equipment, tables or chairs, and electrical power usage.
Some nonprofit or civic organizations could be eligible for use of city space as an in-kind sponsorship.
The council approved a memorandum of understanding with Jail House Brewery regarding the Jail House 5K race scheduled for May 11. Similar actions were approved related to the Main Street Veterans Memorial Marker volunteers and their Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities; the City of Hampton Day Committee and its May 26 event; Vic Morton for the Taste of Hampton Music & Jazz Festival scheduled for May 4; and the Hispanic Mothers Group of First Baptist Church for a May 25 gathering in McBrayer Park.
Keith Strickland was approved unanimously to serve on the Ethics Committee. Fellow nominees Alford Williams and Veronica Atkins were approved by a 4-2 vote, while Arley Lowe’s nomination failed with a 2-4 vote. A motion was made to defer action on the Ethics Committee’s recommendations regarding a recent complaint against council member Elton Brown. That motion passed unanimously and the matter will be considered at the May 14 regular meeting.
