He filed a request for public records in September. 'We decided, 'Let's ask for the records,' to find out how we got on the sign, the policies that led to the action the city took and also their specific policy on people sleeping outside,' Combs said. He and the three-member Perry Township Advisory Board met several times to discuss the issue after a city attorney said agencies on a 211 referral list 'that looked relevant,' Combs said, were added to the warning signs in the park so people could seek housing help. Reaction to city's action: Homeless cleared from park township trustee is livid He said the township isn't responsible for people in the park who aren't Perry Township residents, 'but the signs give the impression that help is available here for anyone.' 'We end up being the bad guy, because people say the city said we would put them up,' he said. 'It's a legal issue they are obligating us without asking, and we could have explained, had they asked, how our funding and programs work and what we are required to do.'

State law prohibits the township from helping anyone convicted of welfare fraud or abuse. He said the township is exempted from providing shelter to intoxicated people and those who cannot care for themselves, and instead directs them to treatment options. As trustee, Combs is responsible for providing help to the poor and housing for people who qualify. The downtown park where the eviction happened is in Perry Township. 'No one consulted us about being listed on their sign, or about what they were going to do, and when, and what our role might be.'

'How did the Perry Township Trustee's Office end up as a referring agency on a sign they put in the park evicting people? It looked like we were in cahoots with the city to throw people out of the park.'Ĭombs was angry. City's December action: City clears downtown park of tents, people overnight

Perry township trustee