KALAMAZOO, MI — Members of the Kalamazoo City Commission approved an ordinance tweak Monday that addresses panhandling in Kalamazoo's public spaces.

City commissioners approved the amendment in a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Jack Urban dissenting.

The ordinance amendment broadens the city's existing panhandling ordinance that was adopted in 2006 to include the "right to be left alone" to areas enclosed by fencing or gates such as sidewalk cafes and anyone sitting at tables or benches located in public places. The ordinance is not limited to downtown, though city officials said it came about after receiving complaints from people who had been aggressively solicited downtown, particularly on the Kalamazoo Mall and in Bronson Park.

Commissioner Don Cooney called the ordinance one that is a "limited, reasonable, well-balanced proposal that shows respect to all people involved." But Urban said he would not back the ordinance, saying it was unclear whether the amendment was addressing public or private spaces.

Public spaces belong to everybody, and private business owners have recourse if people are bothering their patrons, Urban said.

A handful of meeting attendees spoke to commissioners about the amendment, with about half of them supporting the amendment and half of them opposing it.

Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. President Steve Deisler said his organization supports the amendment, saying downtown visitors and employees made uncomfortable by panhandling have a perception of downtown that sticks with them. Deisler said his organization wants to collaborate with the city and service agencies who serve people who panhandle downtown to assist them.

Downtown resident and employee Patti Owens said she "greatly supports" the ordinance tweak, but that it's only a start.

"I think that the folks who are the subject of this need real change, not spare change," Owens said. "We as a community need to come together and acknowledge this part of our community. ... I think the panhandling we do allow is not helping these people. It's allowing them to tread water."

Resident Beth Lewis, who said she was involved when the original ordinance was passed in 2006, said the amendment is "unnecessary."

Vine neighborhood resident Matt Smith encouraged commissioners to vote in opposition of the amendment, saying in part it is unenforceable and a waste of time. Smith said he has worked in downtown Kalamazoo for five years and walks downtown to work and his gym.

"I've never once had a bad experience with someone asking me for money," Smith said.

Emily Monacelli covers local government and beer for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Contact her at emonacel@mlive.com or follow her on Twitter.