Council Expands Panhandling Ordinance, Changes Snow Removal

The Yakima City Council expanded the city panhandling ban to 26 different intersections where people are now banned from stepping into traffic to accept anything from drivers.

City manager Tony O'Rourke says that is not the best answer to stopping the problem, rather he says if people continue giving money to panhandlers the problem will increase. If people stop giving money it is likely the panhandlers would move out of the area for more lucrative ventures.

These people need help, not another fix or another bottle. If people could stop giving that’s the real solution.

O'Rourke says when people give money to panhandlers it helps them buy alcohol and drugs because he says it is a proven fact that many do not use the money to improve their lives.

The city of Yakima has also voted to change the way snow is removed from city streets after a big storm.

Before Tuesday's vote by the Yakima City Council snow was removed in stages. First the main streets then a day later the downtown then residential streets last.

The new plan calls for snow to be removed all at the same time across the city. According to the new policy the city will alert drivers ahead of a snow storm and can ticket and tow vehicles that are parked in snow routes.

City plows are called out when there's more than three inches of snow on the ground.