IV.4. Resolution Authorizing Solicitation of Contributions to Fund Events that Foster Positive Relationships between Law Enforcement and the Community; JohnsonMay 7, 2019 Council Report 2019-046
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 2019-038 a
Resolution Authorizing Solicitation of Contributions to Fund Events that Foster Positive
Relationships between Law Enforcement and the Community.
Overview
In 2017 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 2019-038
Brent Johnson, Chief of Police
Financial Impact: ________ Budgeted: Y/N __ Source: ________________
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): ________________________________
Notes:
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2019-038
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.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this 7th day of May, 2019.
______________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Amy Domeier, City Clerk