The Charlottesville City Council is in the process of developing new ideas to handle the problem of panhandling on the downtown mall.

Business owner Joan Fenton says the police kiosks that are in place have been a big help, but there needs to be an increased police presence.

Council member Dede Smith says a proposed Street Outreach Coordinator would cost another $50 to 60-thousand dollars and work with the homeless to provide them with more information about services available to them.

The issue is on the City Council’s agenda for their next meeting November 19^th.