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Regular Council Meeting January 13, 2020 Page 4 12. Receive and discuss report from Chief Hundley about creation of a safe zone at local hotels in the City of Paris, Texas. Chief Hundley gave a report reflecting both America's Best Value and Kings Inn had an increase in arrests, which amounted to three or four more arrests in 2019 compared to 2018. He said Best Value seem to be the primary concern of those who presented the petition in 2019 requesting an ordinance. Chief Hundley said he did speak to Best Value, and he thought they understood and they wanted to do better. He said if a person causes a problem, they make them leave and do not rent to them again. Chief Hundley reported that he spoke with the police chief of Denison who was the former chief in Grand Prairie. He further reported that the chief said the ordinance worked great with regard to prostitution and holes in the walls. Chief Hundley referenced an abatement team in the past and how they closed down two places in Paris. He said he wanted people to feel safe. Chief Hundley said he did not believe this particular ordinance was right for Paris but would be better served using other tools. Council Member Stone inquired if the hotel owners were being held accountable. Chief Hundley said no, but they tried to get voluntary compliance. He said when there was a problem area, the police department put on extra patrol. He said the department had been short staffed for a year but were back up. Council Member Pilgrim wanted to know if the patrons had to provide identification and Chief Hundley said they did. Chief Hundley said the problems seem to be at the places that did not require credit cards but took cash payment. Council Member Pilgrim wanted to know if they could do anything to hold property owners responsible. Chief Hundley said they had to be in violation of the code, but that the problem was with the people staying there and not code violations. Council Member Portugal asked if the calls were primarily at night. Chief Hundley said out of 23 calls, 17 of those were during the day. Council Member Pilgrim confirmed with Chief Hundley that his recommendation was to continue doing what they were doing. Council Member Knox said this community had an issue with hotels and panhandlers. Council Member Stone inquired about security. Chief Hundley said hotels were responsible for their own security. Council Member Knox said people had a right to go to work and not be harassed. She also said with Mrs. Nicholson's employees being afraid to unlock the business, it appears they have a situation where folks are intruding onto other people's rights and using the constitution to hide behind their actions. Mayor Clifford suggested they look at an ordinance about loitering and panhandling. Ms. Harris said she could have something for them to review on their next agenda. Mrs. Nicholson said other cities were passing pedestrian ordinances, and she encouraged creativity in keeping people in this community safe. Council Member Pilgrim said he agreed with Mrs. Nicholson in that they needed to get creative. He said this was a hot topic, and he had received e-mails from the group speaking tonight and from his Johnson Woods neighbors. Council Member Pilgrim also said he had personally seen the panhandlers. Mihir Pankaj, 3055 Oak Creek Drive, Paris — he said he owned several hotels and he wanted to speak on behalf of the local hotels. Mr. Pankaj said they wanted safe neighborhoods, safe businesses and a safe city. Mr. Pankaj said the hotel owners had a monthly meeting with the Chamber. He acknowledged there were issues and suggested coming together to resolve these issues. Council Member Knox suggested the hotel owners come up with ideas. Mayor Clifford