Title
Agenda Item:
Approval of Graffiti Ordinance
Body
Issue:
Approval of an amendment to the current Olympia Municipal Code and creation of a separate ordinance to address Illegal graffiti tagging.
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading and forward to second reading.
Staff Contact:
Paul Wohl, City of Olympia Prosecutor 360.753.8449
Amy Stull, Community Programs, Police Department 360.753.8049
Presenter(s):
Paul Wohl, City of Olympia Prosecutor
Amy Stull, Community Programs, Police Department
Background and Analysis:
Graffiti tagging is a significant issue in Olympia. For the past two years, community members and City staff have been working on a strategic plan to address the problem. Along with tracking, education, cleaning and enforcement, an element of the plan is to create a separate ordinance for graffiti.
This will accomplish several goals identified by the group:
· Allow better tracking of graffiti crimes in the records management system, creating more efficient analysis of occurrences and penalties.
· Show visible support from City leaders for the efforts to battle illegal graffiti tagging.
· Create future opportunities to develop recommended punishment and restorative justice for illegal taggers.
The proposed new ordinance (OMC 9.40.095) and amendment to the existing ordinance (OMC 9.40.090) will distinguish graffiti from other property damage as well as maintain and clarify the existing law.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The proposed ordinance has been reviewed by the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations. Amendments according to their feedback have been made.
Options:
1. Approve the amendment to the Olympia Municipal Code and enact a separate ordinance addressing illegal graffiti.
2. Do not approve the amendment; rather continue including illegal graffiti as part of the general property damage ordinance.
Financial Impact:
None.