Thomas: Update to town’s municipal code goes too far

It was Saturday, Oct. 14, one of those beautiful fall days in Fountain Hills — at least initially. Warm but not hot, with a cloudless, bright-blue sky, with no breeze.

As I drove through the intersection of Fountain Hills and Palisades boulevards, I noticed a group of what appeared to be teenagers sitting on one of the corners. They looked like the same group that was profiled in the April 20 edition of The Times, in an article titled “Meet the Traffic Watchers.” They were waving and smiling at drivers as the drivers waited at or passed through that intersection.

I thought, “what a nice gesture that was.” However, my serene mood was quickly shattered when I realized the group was violating Section 11-3-2 of the town’s Municipal Code, which was approved at the Aug. 22 Town Council meeting.

In short, the ordinance states “It shall be unlawful for any person to use a public street for remaining in a sitting position thereon, except in the case of a physical emergency or the administration of medical assistance.”  Section 1.8 of the Town Code states, “Any person found responsible for violating any provision of this code shall pay a civil sanction of not less than $250 or more than $750.”

Mayor Dickey and Councilmember Grzybowski made a motion to remove the “sitting position” words, but there was not sufficient support to accept even that minor, reasonable compromise. So, now the town can fine students for the “offense” of doing something good, friendly and positive for the town.

Is this really the environment — and the reputation — you want the town to have? P.S. Parents, be sure to teach your children to not sit on any street in town, they might be guilty of a civil offense!

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.