NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) -- Newark City Council passed an ordinance Monday night that makes camping on public property illegal.  It had been a heavily debated topic for weeks with opponents saying it criminalizes homelessness and proponents saying it is a public safety issue.  Dozens of people packed City Council chambers, speaking passionately about both sides.  Bill Cost Jr. was the only council member to vote against the ordinance.  “I don’t think the jail is the answer and I think we need to work harder to find better solutions, and hopefully my other council members are going to be looking for better solutions as well,” said Cost.  The ordinance states that anyone caught camping on public property could be fined. If someone is a repeat offender, they could go to jail.  Before voting, council members gave their reasoning for supporting the ordinance. They said the illegal camping ordinance could be part of the solution to homelessness in Newark while also addressing public safety concerns.  “If it was just an ordinance to jail or put people in jail for homelessness, I would not support that,” Newark City Councilmember Mark Labutis said. “However, if we can put people in services and help them improve and get on their feet, I’m 100% buying that.”  Many people had been coming to council meetings for weeks to share their opinions with the members.  One resident, Alejandra Leon, said the ordinance is punishing people for being homeless.  “It is not an easy problem to solve. We need to dedicate more than just deciding on a law that’s going to make them move or go to jail or get a ticket,” Leon said.  Many agreed with Leon, but others spoke in favor of the ordinance, with resident Janine Paul saying it would make her feel safer in the city.  “It’s not about criminalizing homelessness or it’s not the city’s sole solution to the homeless issue,” Paul said. “It’s about giving the police department the tools that they need to make everyone safe so I’m happy that it was adopted.”  Before adjourning, council members said no matter what, the ordinance was a conversation starter and they hope the community continues to care deeply about the issue.  Now that the ordinance has passed, Newark’s law director said she plans to host a meeting soon with service providers in the area to figure out what can be done to help the unsheltered people in the city.