We don’t envy the responsibility that faced Sanford town councilors recently ”“ a discussion about the need for laws prohibiting public urination. Naturally, the details ended up in the newspapers.

The problem faced by the council is that no Maine law actually prohibits public urination. In much of Maine, there is apparently enough cover for modesty, and the authorities appear willing to overlook the occasional man who thinks he is inconspicuous at the edge of the Turnpike. But cities and towns can’t be so tolerant. An ordinance is needed to give police the authority to prevent the occasional emergency from becoming a chronic problem.

A ticket and a $250 fine for a first offense seems a bit high for someone who might find himself with a familiar problem in an unfamiliar place. We hope officers will rely more on issuing warnings than writing tickets; nobody wants to argue the details of this kind off case in court.

Pharmaceutical makers tell us ”“ again and again ”“ that bladder distress is a commonplace problem. It’s not clear whether a prescription for Flomax or Vesicare would amount to a free pass in Sanford, but the proposal waives the rules for “those lacking full control of bodily functions due to a verified medical condition.”

The council is right to take human biology into account, since this is an essential part of issue. Enforcement is also key to solving the problem, and if the council wants to get this matter entirely buttoned up, it might eventually discuss the need for public facilities.

Municipal or commercial investment in this area could relieve a distressing problem, and might open an economic spigot, as well. For many shoppers and out-of-town visitors, there’s nothing more appealing than a clean rest room.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com or City Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski at kristenm@journaltribune.com.