Review process to address possible solicitation rules

The Milford Township Board of Trustees has asked the township’s attorney to review a proposed amendment to the township’s business ordinance that would regulate peddlers, canvassers and solicitors in the community.

Township Clerk Holly Brandt said the proposed amendment wasn’t introduced at the township board’s Wednesday, May 18 meeting, but is going through a review process.

The proposed amendment would require solicitors and peddlers to obtain an identification card from the township in order to conduct business in the community.

The ID card would include the name and address of the solicitor, the card’s issuance and expiration dates, the type of business being conducted, and a personnel photograph.

The amendment also would restrict peddling, solicitation and canvassing to between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. or sunset in residential areas.

The idea for an ordinance was first proposed by township Trustee Dale Wiltse at a 2009 board meeting, when he gave his fellow board members copies of ordinances from Lyon Township and the Village of Milford that address solicitors.

Milford Village’s ordinance states that it’s unlawful for any person, either as principal or agent, to engage in business as a street vendor, solicitor, peddler, transient merchant, or charitable solicitor in the village without having first obtained a license from the village.

The Lyon Township business ordinance states that no person or entity may commence or continue a business within the township without having first obtaining a township license, but it doesn’t address solicitors specifically.

However, the Milford Township board voted later that year to reject the introduction of such an ordinance, feeling that it was unnecessary at the time; however, Township Supervisor Don Green didn’t rule out the amendment coming up again in the future.