Monterey approves new rules for street dwellers

Monterey will soon enforce new rules for people living and camping on the streets around the city.

The city council approved the new sit and lie ordinance with a 4-1 vote Tuesday with a start date of October 1, 2014.

The city says there are exemptions to this ordinance, like if someone is having a medical issue or using a wheelchair.

The city’s action comes after concerns involving trash, waste, unlicensed dogs and unlawful behavior taking place. City leaders said the new ordinance is similar to one being used in Santa Cruz, where the idea is to prohibit sitting or sleeping on some sidewalks during specific hours.

The rule wouldn’t apply to the city’s 35 parks, five beaches and more than half of sidewalks.

The city also passed a sales tax measure 5-0 this week to be placed on the November ballot. Voters will decide on a one cent increase from the 7.5 percent sales tax that is in place now. The city says its tax is the lowest on the Peninsula.

The new tax has a time stamp of four years.

It needs 2/3 of the vote because it’s earmarked for something specific like infrastructure repairs for streets, sidewalks and storm drains.