Sharonville is banning registered sex offenders from membership to the city’s recreation facilities.
Though the ordinance, passed unanimously by City Council, takes effect May 8, Law Director Tom Keating said new applications for membership are already being screened.
The ban applies to the facilities that require a pass for admittance, primarily the city’s two swimming pools and the Community Center, for member activities.
Keating said that events that invite the public won’t be affected by the ban.
The potential member’s name and address will be entered into the Offender Search database at www.icrimewatch.net, part of the Attorney General website.
An existing membership will be rescinded if that member’s name appears on the list, as well.
Guests will be checked if possible, but Keating said information required by the database isn’t typically collected for guests.
“It will be difficult because they don’t provide information other than their name,” he said. “It might be impractical.”
According to the Ohio Attorney General’s website, two Sharonville residents are registered as sex offenders.
The ordinance also addresses the protection of children.
“The Council has determined that there is a strong public purpose to protect schools, parks, playgrounds, youth centers and other places primarily utilized by people under the age of 19 from Ohio registered sex offenders,” Ordinance 2014-13 reads. “The Council has determined that the Sharonville recreation facilities, as accessed by membership passes should include a safe, clean environment protected from convicted sex offenders who potentially lack the ability to control their behavior.”
It also specifies that a violation would be considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
The ordinance was a proactive measure, Keating said.
“Of the three times the ordinance was read (during City Council meetings), not a single person spoke against it,” Keating said. “But there is not a major problem with any person at or behavior at the pools.
“We’re trying to get ahead of the problem instead of reacting to it.” ..Source.. by Kelly McBride
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