Solicitors May Have to Ask Before Leaving Flyers

Gulfport City leaders want solicitors to ask or make contact with a person before leaving advertisements at their doorsteps, gates or fences.

The council voted unanimously, during first reading, to require solicitors to have permission by the resident to present materials promoting the sale of goods, wares merchandise, or services.

The aim of the ordinance is to decrease the amount of materials being placed or left at abandoned or unattended homes. Council Member Sam Henderson brought up the concern after people in his ward came to him with the problem.

Prior to the vote, one resident spoke in favor of the ordinance.

“I think it’s a win in two areas, one, it will help from hanging a tag  . . . on our vacant properties, the other things, is I’m so tired of picking up these flyers that are blowing around the streets and the sidewalks,” Doug Hudson said.

Another resident voiced concerns.

“The only thing I would say is, there’s a lot of people out of work, and if people can make money, enough to buy some bread or something, I think it’s a good thing if they hang a sign on your door. And I would think that the n w be kind enough to pick that stuff up and throw it away,” Patricia Milward said.

During the discussion, Council Member Jennifer Salmon asked if phone books were included. The City Attorney Andrew Salzman responded by saying that if a person agrees to the service from that provider, than they agree to recieve the phone books.

Council Member Salmon said, "I think it's a good thing. It will reduce the litter and the trash.”

Council Member Banno said , "I think this is a great ordinance. It's not actually putting anybody out of work . . all it's saying is, that those people going around delivering those flyers can't leave them at the door. If somebody doesn't answer, that person is not losing their job, they just have to hand the flyer to somebody."

One note brought up during the meeting; religious organizations and campaigns are exempt and may be allowed to solicit.

The council will vote again during second reading of this ordinance during a regular city council meeting in January. The Tuesday, Dec. 20 meeting has been cancelled.

For more information about this ordinance, check out Tuesday night's agenda on the city's website.