CITY OF MADRAS OPEN HOUSE TO DISCUSS PROPOSED SHOPPING CART REGULATIONS

Date: 2/20/2024

Contact: Nicholas Snead, Community Development Director 541-475-2344

The City of Madras is concerned about the impact of shopping carts being removed from premises and misused by individuals, leading to various challenges for our community including the well-being and safety of our community members. We understand that managing shopping carts can pose logistical challenges for local retailers, but it is crucial that we work together to minimize unintended impacts to the community. By keeping shopping carts on premises, we can minimize the risk of them being misused and mitigate the associated problems for our community. These regulations would also entail retailers being fined for non-compliance. Shopping cart management is an issue that affects not only individual businesses but also residents and the overall aesthetics and functionality of our community.

In November of 2023, the City has contacted each retailer and communicated the problem and requested changes to their operations to ensure shopping carts remain on premises. After several months of not seeing significant changes, the City is considering implementing regulations that would mandate businesses to retain their shopping carts on premises. City staff initially raised the issue to the Madras Homeless Advisory Committee at their December 2023 and January 2024 meetings. At the January 22, 2024, Homeless Advisory Committee Meeting the Committee took formal action to make a recommendation to the City Council to approve the proposed shopping cart regulations. The City believes it is crucial that the City provide an opportunity for stakeholders to have the chance to contribute to the conversation before the City Council considers establishing these regulations.

The City of Madras is hosting an Open House at City Hall in the City Council Chambers located at 125 SW “E” Street, Madras, OR 97741 on February 26, 2024, from 2:00-3:30 PM to discuss the proposed shopping cart regulations. The purpose of this gathering is to provide an opportunity for stakeholders, including local business owners, to learn, voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the proposed regulations. The Open House will include presentations by city staff, as well as opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share their perspectives.