Residents urge enforcement after provocative performance at Howard Amon Park
May 21, 2024 | Richland , Benton County, Washington
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Several residents told the Richland City Council on May 21 that a recent performance near the Globe Monument at Howard Amon Park — described by commenters as a striptease accompanied by a business banner — was inappropriate for a family park and warranted enforcement.
A caller who identified their city as Kennewick said they watched a performer dance "very provocatively" next to the playground, approached the performer, and called police when the confrontation escalated; two officers arrived about 20 minutes later, the speaker said, and "they said there was nothing they could do." Mark Sims of Kennewick cited the city’s lewd-conduct ordinance and urged enforcement, saying that apparent nonenforcement erodes public trust. George Booth of Richland said the display did not reflect the community’s values and urged strict application of existing code.
Council members responded by directing staff to gather more information. Council member Luxon asked the police chief or staff to provide police reports and an explanation for why no citation was issued. Council member Witten, who said he learned of the incident from speakers at the meeting, described the behavior as "absolutely unacceptable" and asked staff to explore options to prevent similar incidents, including protecting artworks that were used in the display.
Deputy city clerk Fulton had earlier read the public-hearing script for a separate agenda item (a water-easement relinquishment) but the park incident arose during the general public-comment period. No formal enforcement action was announced at the meeting; council members asked staff and the city manager’s office to follow up and report back.
The council requested the police report and further analysis so members could better understand why officers did not issue a citation, and to consider options to prevent advertising or performances that violate code near children’s areas. The matter was left to staff follow-up rather than immediate council action.
A caller who identified their city as Kennewick said they watched a performer dance "very provocatively" next to the playground, approached the performer, and called police when the confrontation escalated; two officers arrived about 20 minutes later, the speaker said, and "they said there was nothing they could do." Mark Sims of Kennewick cited the city’s lewd-conduct ordinance and urged enforcement, saying that apparent nonenforcement erodes public trust. George Booth of Richland said the display did not reflect the community’s values and urged strict application of existing code.
Council members responded by directing staff to gather more information. Council member Luxon asked the police chief or staff to provide police reports and an explanation for why no citation was issued. Council member Witten, who said he learned of the incident from speakers at the meeting, described the behavior as "absolutely unacceptable" and asked staff to explore options to prevent similar incidents, including protecting artworks that were used in the display.
Deputy city clerk Fulton had earlier read the public-hearing script for a separate agenda item (a water-easement relinquishment) but the park incident arose during the general public-comment period. No formal enforcement action was announced at the meeting; council members asked staff and the city manager’s office to follow up and report back.
The council requested the police report and further analysis so members could better understand why officers did not issue a citation, and to consider options to prevent advertising or performances that violate code near children’s areas. The matter was left to staff follow-up rather than immediate council action.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
