In an effort to keep the city safe and clean, the Lathrop City Council Monday supported an add on to the “Public Peace and Welfare” ordinance.

The municipal code addition is entitled “Public Urination and Defecation Prohibited.”

According to Lathrop Police Chief Stephen Sealy, there are no current local code that “prohibits urination / defecation” in public.

Chief David Bramell of the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District also supported the ordinance.

Not only would this align Lathrop with practices across the state, he noted, but would also support a safe, clean public environment.

The public health and safety considerations, as listed, include:

·         Public urination / defecation creates health risks.

·         Contributes to unsanitary conditions in shared space.

·         Diminishes quality of life for residents and visitors.

·         Impacts perception of public areas.

Once passed, the enforcement would be that of a misdemeanor offense with civil abatement options.

No comments were made during the public hearing on the introduction and first reading of the ordinance add-on, which will be brought back for a second reading and adoption at an upcoming Lathrop City Council meeting.