Council to solicitors: Respect the sign

NORWALK — Norwalk's city council has taken its first step toward giving more enforcement power to the city's existing rules against unwanted door-to-door sales. It's in response to a growing wave of complaints from residents who say aggressive solicitors are ignoring signs, skirting the city's permit process and targeting the elderly. On Wednesday, council approved the first reading of legislation that would allow police to issue summonses to solicitors who knock on doors despite "No Solicitation" signs or who operate without a city-issued permit. Mayor Dave Light said door-to-door solicitors have become "more and more bold," prompting the potential legislation. Complaints from residents Light described one call from a Westwood Drive resident "well into his 90s" who said salespeople tried to take advantage of him because of his age. "They thought they would take advantage of me because of my age," the man told the mayor. According to Light, the man resisted pressure and "stood his ground and didn't buy anything." In another case, a resident who showed her electricity bill to a solicitor later found her energy supplier switched without her consent. "She had no idea what they were doing," Light said. "People need protected from these kind of tactics." Mayor's personal experience Light said he has also been approached at his own home. "I had the same outfit there three times in one day," he said. "It was hot out and we gave them each a bottle of water, but it was ridiculous." When he asked one worker if she had a permit, she responded that "the boss has that." Light identified himself as mayor and checked, only to find the company had no permit. He said the solicitor fit the description of the woman accused of pressuring the elderly Westwood Drive resident. Enforcement authority Norwalk's existing code already requires solicitors to obtain a permit from the city, wear their badge while working, and limit their hours — 9 a.m. until sunset or 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to sunset or 8 p.m. on Sundays. They must also avoid addresses on the official "No Solicitation List" or with posted signs. Until now, enforcement relied on after-the-fact complaints. The new ordinance would give police authority to act immediately by issuing a summons on the spot if solicitors are found in violation. "If someone is doing these high-pressure tactics, the police can give them a ticket now," Light said. The ordinance still requires final approval by council, but once passed, it will take effect 30 days later — the earliest date allowed by Ohio law, according to Light. Options for residents Norwalk residents already have multiple tools to deter unwanted visitors: • Posting a "No Solicitation" sign at the entrance of their home. • Requesting in writing to be added to the city's No Solicitation List, maintained by the city's safety service director. • Reporting violations to Norwalk police. Under the ordinance, officers will be able to issue a ticket immediately if a solicitor is found breaking the law.