Aldermen set parental fine for curfew violation

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 17, 2004

WOODVILLE &045;&045; Under a juvenile curfew adopted by Woodville aldermen Tuesday, parents who allow minors to violate the ordinance can be fined up to $100.

On recommendation from Woodville Mayor Gary D’Aquila and Police Chief James Forman, the board voted unanimously to impose the curfew.

Modeled exactly after an ordinance adopted by the Town of Gloster in 1992, the new law makes it illegal for parents or guardians of unemancipated minors under the age of 18 to allow such minors to be on the town’s public streets, sidewalks or other properties during curfew hours.

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Curfew hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

The law allows exceptions when minors are:

Accompanied by their parents or guardians.

On emergency errands as directed by a parent or guardian.

Attending activities supervised by an adult.

Engaged in legitimate employment or returning home from such employment.

At their own residence; on the sidewalk adjacent to their residence; or at the adjacent property owner’s residence with permission of said property owner.

Minors who violate the ordinance will be subject to arrest and referral to youth court.

Parents found guilty of violating the ordinance will receive a written warning for the first offense; a $50 fine for the second offense; and a $100 fine for third and subsequent offenses.

In other business, the board took four bids under advisement for electrical repairs to the former Polk’s Meat Market building.

Aldermen said they wanted the town’s attorney to examine the bids before awarding the project.