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In a controversial move, the city of Madras is proposing a new policy that would impose fines against grocery stores for shopping carts stolen and found near homeless camps, according to a report by the Central Oregon Daily News.
Local grocery stores acknowledge the issue but are divided on solutions.
Kevin Eidemiller, co-manager of Ericksons Thriftway, expressed his frustration to the Central Oregon Daily, “We have had about 70 to 100 vehicles stolen over the last two years. At least once a week to every other week, we go looking for our vehicles.
The city contacted grocery stores late last year to take immediate action to maintain the carts on property.
Madras Community Development Director, Nicholas Sneed, highlighted the need for a solution: “When we started to see the connection between shopping carts not being placed on a retailer's property and then being used in ways that were not intended, So we thought we needed to start finding a way to solve this problem.
Despite these discussions, no significant improvements were seen in the city, leading to a new proposal being drafted. “If the shopping cart is not on property, it's a $100 misdemeanor,” Sneed said.
According to the proposal, “Each instance of a violation, or, in the case of a continuing violation, each day a violation occurs or continues, constitutes a separate offense and may be punished separately.”
However, Eidemiller sees this as an unfair burden on businesses, “If you have your own personal property, you should not be fined for having it removed from your own premises. “It seems like too much.”
Watch:
The town is internet hosting an open home on Feb. 26 to debate doable options with retailers.
Under is the announcement from Neighborhood Improvement Director Nicholas Sneed, by way of KTVZ:
“We perceive that managing purchasing carts can create logistical challenges for native retailers, however it will be significant that we work collectively to reduce unintended impacts on the neighborhood. By holding purchasing carts on premises, we are able to scale back the danger of their misuse and related issues for our neighborhood.
“Retailers can even be fined for non-compliance with these guidelines. Procuring cart administration is a matter that impacts not solely particular person companies but additionally residents and the general aesthetics and performance of our neighborhood.
“In November of 2023, the Metropolis contacted every retailer explaining the issue and requesting adjustments to their operations to make sure purchasing carts remained on the premises. After not seeing vital adjustments for a number of months, town is contemplating implementing guidelines that will power companies to keep up their purchasing carts on the premises.
“Metropolis employees initially raised this situation with the Madras Homeless Advisory Committee at its December 2023 and January 2024 conferences. On the January 22, 2024 Homeless Advisory Committee assembly, the committee took formal motion to advocate to the Metropolis Council to approve the proposed purchasing cart laws. (Draft laws included in that assembly Agenda packet.,
“The Metropolis believes it will be significant that the Metropolis present stakeholders the chance to contribute to the dialog earlier than the Metropolis Council considers establishing these guidelines.
“The Metropolis of Madras is internet hosting an Open Home on Monday, February 26 from 2:00-3:30 pm in Metropolis Corridor and the Metropolis Council Chambers situated at 125 SW “E” Avenue, Madras, OR 97741, to debate the proposed Procuring cart guidelines.
“The aim of this gathering is to offer stakeholders, together with native enterprise homeowners, a possibility to study and categorical their opinions, considerations and solutions relating to the proposed guidelines. The open home will embrace displays from metropolis employees, in addition to alternatives for attendees to ask questions and share their views.
Under is the proposal: