Protecting parkgoers

SURF CITY - Registered sex offenders may soon be banned from Surf City parks and the town's community center.

Surf City Mayor Zander Guy said two registered sex offenders live in the town, and nine reside within a five-mile radius of the town limits.

"We have worked very hard on our parks, and it's our responsibility to make sure we protect our children," Guy said.

Guy, who said he provided a copy of the proposed Wilmington ordinance to the town manager and attorney for consideration, asked the Surf City Town Council at its Aug. 5 meeting to consider drafting an ordinance of its own to prohibit registered sex offenders from the town's public parks and community center.

Council members Nelva Albury, Donald Helms, Michael Curley and Mayor Pro Tem Doug Medlin all supported drafting an ordinance. Councilman William Fowler was absent.

Wilmington City Council unanimously ratified its ordinance banning registered sex offenders from city parks on Aug. 5. The ordinance became effective immediately upon its adoption.

Wilmington violators will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined $100.

On June 12, the N.C. Supreme Court upheld a similar ban in Woodfin, the first municipality in the state to adopt such an ordinance.

Woodfin adopted its ordinance banning registered sex offenders from the town's public parks in April of 2005. David Standley, of Woodfin, convicted in 1987 of attempted battery and aggravated assault against a woman in Florida, sued saying in part that the ordinance violated his right to travel, according to the Associated Press. Standley lost both the case and an appeal.

The ordinances have been fought by the American Civil Liberties Union in North Carolina, which stated the bans offer "a false sense of security to families."

In North Carolina, individuals must list their name on the registry when convicted of an offense against a minor, a sexually violent offense or an attempt to commit those offenses.

"Offense against a minor" includes kidnapping, abduction of children and felonious restraint.

Guy said town attorney Charles Lanier is drafting Surf City's ordinance.

"We are waiting for our attorney to look at Wilmington's ordinance and he will look at other town's ordinances to see what he can find and make recommendations as to the format we'll pattern ours after that is reasonable but still has teeth," Guy said.

Contact Topsail area reporter Suzanne Ulbrich at 910-219-8454. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.