ADMINISTRATION - Brian Podany, Safety Services Manager/Police Chief
Title
AUTHORIZING SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO FUND EVENTS THAT FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE COMMUNITY
Background
Night to Unite, an annual community-building campaign, promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more connected. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Millions of neighbors take part in Night to Unite across thousands of communities from all 50 states. Neighborhoods commonly host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits, and more.
Cities previously could not fund Night to Unite Out events. Historically Minnesota cities have not had explicit authority to spend money or fundraise for Night to Unite and other similar events but during the 2017 legislative session the House and Senate passed a bill making it legal for cities to raise and spend money for the specific purpose of funding an event within city limits meant to foster positive relationships between police departments and the community.
This new law, codified as Minnesota Statutes, section 471.198, allows cities to not only spend money on these events but also provides the unprecedented and very limited authority to solicit funds for these events as long as City Council clearly gives that direction by resolution and the events foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Recommendation
Adopt the proposed resolution authorizing solicitation of contributions to fund events that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Body
WHEREAS, new law authorizes cities to solicit contributions to fund events that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. 2017 Minn. Laws ch. 26, § 1 to be codified as Minn. Stat. § 471.198; and
WHEREAS, events including, but not limited to, Night to Unite, an annual community-building campaign, promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more connected; and
WHEREAS, Night to Unite and similar events provide opportunities to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to this law, the City of Blaine may authorize solicitation of contributions to hold or sponsor these events; and
WHEREAS, the governing body determines Night to Unite, Safety Camp, bike helmet fitting events and other similar events will foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council hereby authorizes officials and staff to solicit contributions for the purposes of funding or supporting Night to Unite, Safety Camp, bike helmet fitting events and other similar events in this community.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 7th day of June, 2018.