IV.9. Resolution Authorizing Solicitation of Contributions to Fund Events that Foster Positive Relationships between Law Enforcement and the Community; Johnson (CR2017-095)
July 31, 2017 Council Report 2017-095
Resolution Authorizing Solicitation of Contributions to Fund Events that Foster Positive
Relationships between Law Enforcement and the Community
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to Approve Resolution 2017-051 a
Resolution Authorizing Solicitation of Contributions to Fund Events that Foster Positive
Relationships between Law Enforcement and the Community.
Overview
A new law authorized cities to expend and raise funds on a limited basis for events that foster
positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. Any home rule charter or
statutory city may spend money for National Night Out events held with in the city’s boundaries.
Any home rule charter or statutory city also may spend money for any event or purpose that the
governing body determines will foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the
community. Notwithstanding any law or ordinance to the contrary, any home rule charter city,
statutory city, town, county, or school district may, by resolution, authorize officials and staff to
solicit contributions for the these events.
Historically, Minnesota cities have not had explicit authority to spend money or fundraise for
National Night Out and other similar events. 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 the council
clearly gives that direction by resolution and the events would foster positive relationships
between law enforcement and the community.
Supporting Information
Resolution 2017-051
Brent Johnson, Chief of Police
Financial Impact: ________ Budgeted: Y/N __ Source: ________________
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): ________________________________
Notes:
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2017-051
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO FUND
EVENTS THAT FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAW
ENFORCEMENT AND THE COMMUNITY
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.
WHEREAS, events including, but not limited to, National Night Out, an annual
community-building campaign, promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood
camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more connected.
WHEREAS, National Night Out and similar events provide opportunities to bring police
and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
WHEREAS, pursuant to this law, the City of Hopkins may authorize solicitation of
contributions to hold or sponsor these events.
WHEREAS, the governing body determines National Night Out will foster positive
relationships between law enforcement and the community.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HOPKINS, MINNESOTA AS FOLLOWS:
That this council hereby authorizes officials and staff to solicit contributions for the purposes of
funding or supporting a National Night Out in this community.
st
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this 31 day of July, 2017.
______________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Amy Domeier, City Clerk