(Lander, WY) – The Lander City Council plans to update its new park rules ordinance to specify that people won’t be imprisoned for violating those rules.
During a work session this week, City Clerk Rachelle Fontaine explained that, when the council passed the new ordinance last year, they did not modify the associated “penalty clause,” which currently states that “violation of the ordinance – and thus the park rules – would constitute a misdemeanor, and upon conviction would be punishable by a fine of up to $750 or imprisonment of not more than six months.”
“The discussion arose about whether or not the council really intended – or city staff or the police department really intended – for someone to be imprisoned for up to six months (for that),” Fontaine said.
She suggested that the penalty be changed to allow for a fine of up to $75 for an initial park rules violation and up to $750 for a second offense.
“Great changes,” Councilmember Julia Stuble said. “I’m glad we’re paying attention to this.”
Councilmember Melinda Cox said she was also “in favor of taking out imprisonment, for sure.”
“(This) looks good,” she said.
Fontaine added that language could also be incorporated into the ordinance indicating that park rules should be posted prominently “in a place where people can find them.”
The council will consider modifications to the ordinance during a regular meeting.
For more information, call the City of Lander at 332-2870.