Council appoints homelessness committee; approves curfew

And citizens' pleas didn't stop council from passing a controversial ordinance.

"We strongly discourage you from passing the curfew ordinance because it will only move people and the problems facing homelessness around," Chad Wheeler said.  

"If the homeless break the law, through them in jail. But don't create new laws when you already have public intoxication and indecency and other legislation already on the books," Eric Burch said.  

"Give the committee time to formulate solutions and work with us to implement a lasting solution for the sake of all," Jim Beck said.  

The city went forward with approving a curfew that will prohibit anyone from being on the grounds of the Mahon Library, the Civic Center, City Hall, and Lubbock Business Center between midnight and 5 a.m. Councilman Todd Klein was the only member to vote against it.

Councilman Floyd Price said the ordinance will better protect the employees and patrons of those facilities.

"I don't see the big hoopla about putting something in place to protect that type of clientele, it's got to be done," Price said.  

The city law was also challenged by citizens who called it unconstitutional. Attorney for the city Chad Weaver said there is legal precedent, a similar ordinance was put into place in Dallas.

"It's important to realize that this ordinance is very narrowly crafted it only affects four properties, all other public property will be unaffected except for city parks which have been under curfew for 50 years," Weaver said.  

But the issue doesn't rest with city ordinances, a newly appointed homelessness committee is expected to develop a more long-term plan.

The mayor appointed Lynn McClendon, who serves as chair of the Salvation Army board, as chair of the committee.

"She and her husband have a business located downtown, she is a former president and very active in the Junior League and has a very big interest in dealing with homeless issues," Mayor Tom Martin said.