Clarkston City Council approves tighter park rules

The Clarkston City Council approved stiffer regulations for people who continually break the law in public parks.

The amended code adopted Monday night spells out the consequences for repeat offenders, including being banned from using any city park.

The new rules will go into effect five days after they’re published in the Lewiston Tribune’s legal notices, said city attorney Todd Richardson. The goal is to give law enforcement another tool when dealing with recurring crimes at Foster Park, where homeless individuals camp, but it applies to all parks, he said.

“This (revised ordinance) will give us another opportunity to keep people who keep committing crimes out of the parks,” Police Chief Joel Hastings said.

However, lack of jail space is an ongoing issue for misdemeanor offenders. Clarkston police responded to Foster Park Monday to arrest a woman with 21 outstanding warrants, the chief said. Unfortunately, the Asotin County Jail is full.

The jail was originally built for 14 inmates, and the maximum capacity is 57, Hastings said. On Monday, the count was at 67, and there simply wasn’t room for the woman with the warrants.

The new jail, which was approved by voters in 2019, is expected to open in February. It will house up to 144 inmates once it’s completed.

Foster Park has been the hot topic at city council meetings for months. Several people spoke about drug activity at the park, camp fires, dogs running off leash, recreational vehicles that are “rolling meth labs”and needles discarded in areas where children used to play.

David Walk, who is making a documentary about the homeless situation in Clarkston, said he’s witnessed some Foster Park success stories, such as the community rallying behind a man who wanted to go back to Reno and helping him get home.

During interviews with park residents, Walk said he’s learned drugs are being used at the park, and some addicts don’t seem interested in giving up that lifestyle. He said forcing them into rehab should be explored.

“This community wants to help people,” Walk told the council. “What do we do with the ones who don’t want to change?”

The potential for violence is another cause for concern as tensions mount between neighbors and the folks camping at Foster Park, Walk said.

Councilor Skate Pierce agreed, saying “not doing something is going to get someone hurt or killed. That is a concern and something we’ve addressed.”

The homeless situation will be discussed again tonight from 6:30-8 p.m. at a town hall meeting hosted by the Asotin County Alliance for the Unhoused. The meeting is at the Asotin County Fire Station at 2377 Appleside Blvd., in the Clarkston Heights.

A proposed sleep center with 20 huts is on the agenda, along with time for public comments and questions. No location for the project has been finalized.

Pierce said there are “zero plans” to locate the sleep center in the Heights. The nonprofit group is searching for 1.2 acres near Clarkston city limits and services.

During public comments, code enforcement officer Dusty Turner, the city police force and the council were praised by several residents for their efforts to handle multiple issues.

However, longtime resident Jim Griffin had harsh words for city leaders. His list of complaints involved a city dumpster on Burns Street, illegal parking, noxious weeds and lack of action by the city to enforce its laws.

“When are you folks going to start abiding by your own laws? Are city codes for everyone or just the city to pick and choose at their discretion?”

Griffin cited numerous city codes he believes are being violated, saying the “city condones breaking the law at their convenience.” He also brought photos of code violations to share with officials.

“Does anyone see why I complain? If you have never talked to a brick wall, talk to the Clarkston council,” Griffin said.

In other city business, Councilor David Vinton made another appeal to fill a vacant council position, encouraging people in the audience to apply. Applications should be available at City Hall in the near future, said City Administrator Steve Austin. Candidates must be 18, registered to vote and a resident of the city.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.