To spillover crowds, the Daytona Beach City Commission launched its Aug. 4 meeting with an agenda which included the controversial issue which drew the crowds to City Hall; an assessment of $100 per rental unit, ostensibly for the purpose of checking backgrounds on tenants, for a variety of reasons. But mostly, the proposal was intended to screen sex offenders.

Large, varicolored signs were the order of the evening, as the crowds filled commission chambers to capacity, flowed into the lobby, which was also packed. The outdoor entry steps were also heavily populated. "Renters Aren't Criminals!" read one sign. Another onlooker, standing beside the dais, had one which read, "You're Not Coming Into My Home!" and yet another said, "Landlords Aren't Police Officers."

There were many more variations on messages, but the bottom line was the same and the message was loud and clear that most attendees felt the proposed new ordinance was invasive and, as some implied, possibly even in violation of the U.S. Constitution. That, however, is an issue which would be determined in the courts, should it progress to that point.

An uneasy tension invaded commission chambers as it was announced that more research needed to be done, prior to any further action by the commission. Listeners made noises of dissatisfaction at the prospect of the delay and were very upset that they would not be heard, after gathering en masse and transporting themselves to City Hall.

For the first time in recent memory, Daytona Beach Mayor Yvonne Scarlett- Golden repeatedly banged down her wooden gavel, raising her voice to high volume, asking that order be restored to the meeting. On at least two occasions, it took several minutes for her to regain control.

City Manager James V. Chisholm calmly explained that there would likely be future modifications to the proposal and that he expected those proposals would either alleviate or at least satisfactorily address many of the issues of concern. But Chisholm's explanation for the delay did little to quell the anger of the crowd. They had come to, "speak their piece," and that was just what they were determined to do.

However, it was not to be. Agreeing with her city manager's assessment of the future tweaking of the ordinance, Mayor Scarlett-Golden insisted upon the scheduled speakers saving their comments for the re-scheduled meeting on the topic. Even the new meeting time and place proved to be contentious. The mayor was supported in her explanation by Zone 1's Richard W. Shiver, Zone 2's Darlene F. Yordon, Zone 5's Dwayne L Taylor, Sr., and Zone 6's Cassandra G. Reynolds.

Staunchly opposing her, though, were Zone 3's Sheila K. McKay and Zone 4's Gwen Azama-Edwards. Both of them supported allowing the attendees to speak.

"This meeting was advertised as a public forum," stated McKay. "I feel we ought to hear from these people, after they've made the effort to come here. This is a great disservice to the people we're supposed to serve."

McKay's statements were met with applause and cheers, as the mayor once again pounded her gavel. Then, Azama-Edwards stated that she agreed with McKay and that the people should be heard. Taylor elicited mixed reactions from the crowd, when it was his turn to speak, as he said, "These two commissioners are just doing a little grandstanding, since they have a big audience.." There was a not-so-subtle inference that McKay and Azama-Edwards may be simply playing to the crowd, due to the fall elections. Azama-Edwards is opposing Scarlett-Golden for the mayor's seat and McKay is running for her second term in her commission seat.
McKay was also upset at the prospect of the subsequent meeting being held at the Peninsula Club on Aug. 24 at 2 p.m.

"That's very unfair," she said. "These people are here in the evening. Those who work, are unable to attend a meeting at 2 p.m."

Again, onlookers applauded. McKay continued, "Also, Mayor, we really need to hold this at the Peabody Auditorium, if possible. Obviously, commission chambers are not adequate. Look at all those who can't be seated."

Chisholm agreed to check on the availability of the Peabody, which is currently being updated and improved. The meeting time was also changed to 7 p.m., as McKay once again drew support from both Azama-Edwards and the audience.

As the issue came to a close, remarks were yelled in loud voices and signs were hoisted high, once again. It is not yet known whether the Aug. 24 meeting will be at the Peabody or City Hall.

The proposal of paying the city $100 dollars each year for each rental unit, was suggested so that the city can maintain records on each and every renter. The required information, say some, is sensitive personal information which is none of the city's business. While the primary objective is supposed to be that of keeping sex offenders out of close proximity to children, there are those who feel that may not be the only objective.

Some wonder if it could also be a backdoor route to subtly create discrimination against those who choose to rent, or possibly even a way to use eminent domain, eventually, against property owners who may be unable maintain the higher costs. All three issues have been prominent on the city's meeting agendas of late.

The office of the city manager at 671-8010 will have full information on the final location of the meeting of Aug. 24.

Contact L. Miller at lmiller-dt514@mailstation.com.