SACO — The city will not move forward with an ordinance to prohibit the distribution of free newspapers.

After receiving complaints about unwanted newspapers thrown in driveways, the city had drawn up a proposed “litter ordinance” that would have prohibited the distribution of newspapers and advertising materials in driveways.

The proposed ordinance came up for discussion at a workshop Monday night, but the council decided not to pursue it any further.

“They’re trash when they’re left in the street and turned into a plastic bag of papier maché,” said Councilor Leslie Smith.

“It’s unsightly,” said Smith. “It’s a pain in the butt.”

“I’d like to see some of the many, many folks who have contacted me over the years get some kind of relief,” he said.

City Attorney Tim Murphy said attorneys from the Maine Municipal Association reviewed the proposed ordinance and said that it wouldn’t survive in a courtroom, and he couldn’t in good conscience recommend the city spend legal fees to pursue such an ordinance.

Town Councilor Eric Cote, who is also an attorney, said he agreed with Smith that it was an issue, however, he had researched court cases regarding similar issues and agreed with Murphy.

Currently in Saco, there are two free weekly newspapers distributed in residents’ driveways: The Courier and the Journal Tribune Sunday.

Biddeford City Councilor Bob Mills, who contracts with the Journal Tribune to deliver newspapers, said a similar ordinance was proposed in Biddeford, but wasn’t approved because it was believed it would be declared unconstitutional.

Jim Freeland, publisher of the Journal Tribune, said he doesn’t like to see newspapers in the streets either, and said the company does have employees picking up unwanted papers.

Freeland said the Journal Tribune is a friendly operation that represents the residents and businesses in the community, and he doesn’t want to create enemies.

“We want you to call us,” said Freeland. “This is a very important subject. It does us no good to have people upset with us.”

Likewise, David Clark, general manager of The Courier, said if there was a problem, to call him, and the company encouraged communication.

“It’s a learning process,” said Clark. “The more feedback we get from things like this, from residents, the better we can deliver the paper.”

Clark said, according to call logs since the beginning of the year, the paper had received 52 calls from people in Saco regarding delivery. Thirty-two of those calls were from seasonal residents to resume delivery, while 20 calls were from those who wanted delivery stopped.

“I’m encouraged by what I heard tonight,” said Cote, and said he would like to see the council look at the issue again in six months.

“I think we can put this to rest,” said Smith, adding that he would like to see fewer unwanted papers around the city in the future.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.