Memo- AcceptanceMemo
Ta Hopkins City Council
From: Connie Kurtz
Date: 01/06/98
Re: Acceptance of Minnesota Join Together Grant
Crime Prevention Office
The Hopkins Police Department and Chemical Health Commission ask Council
approval to accept a mini -grant which was awarded to the Hopkins Police
Department by the Minnesota Join Together Coalition. The purpose of the grant
proposal is to conduct a liquor compliance check at each liquor establishment in
Hopkins.
GRANT SOURCE
The Minnesota Institute of Public Health was awarded an $840,000 four -year grant
from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to develop a statewide coalition
(Minnesota Join Together Coalition) that will raise public awareness of the benefits of
reducing underage drinking. This grant is part of a national initiative to reduce
underage drinking. Minnesota is one of 11 states to receive a grant, as announced
on January 21, 1997 by RWJF and the American Medical Association.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the nation's largest philanthropy devoted
exclusively to health and health care. It became a national institution in 1972 with
receipt of a bequest from its namesake and since made more than $2 billion in
grants. The Foundation concentrates its grant making in three goal areas: to ensure
that all Americans have access to basic health care at a reasonable cost; to improve
the way services are organized and provided to people with chronic health
conditions; and to reduce personal, social, and economic harm caused by substance
abuse of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs.
BACKGROUND
• Late October, notification was received from the Minnesota Join Together
Coalition that grant money was available to help reduce underage use of alcohol.
• November 3, 1997 Chemical Health Commission meeting — discussion on
whether or not application should be made to secure grant money, how the
money could be used to reduce underage use of alcohol. Further discussion
focused on proposed state legislation SF31611 to reduce underage use of
alcohol. The Commission was in favor of applying for grant monies, however the
deadline was November 14, and unsure if the application timeline would be met.
• Grant application was received November 4, 1997
• November 12, 1997 grant application was completed and submitted
• December 6, 1997 grant proposal acceptance received from Minnesota Join
Together Coalition
GRANT OBJECTIVES
The focus of the grant is to gather statistical information to determine the present
level of liquor establishment compliance in checking identification as required by _law.
By identifying establishments that are not in compliance, we will be able to assist
them in correcting the problem by providing information on proper identification
procedures, thus reducing youth access to alcohol. Part of the problem is that liquor
establishments are continue to accept improper forms of identification as proof of age
(Le. check cashing cards, school tD). A follow -up compliance check will be
conducted on all establishments that failed the first time round.
At the end of the project, a seminar will be offered to all liquor license holders. The
seminar will aim to educate owners and managers regarding their responsibilities as
far as the liquor laws are concerned, inform them on changes to liquor laws or city
ordinance, in addition to making sure proper identification procedures are understood
and followed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Minnesota Join Together Coalition Request for Proposals
2. Grant Proposal
3. Summary of SF316/HF761 — Proposed Legislation to Reduce Underage Use
of Alcohol
4. Grant approval notification from MJT
• Page 2
Mission
Statement
Minnesota youth,
adults and organiza-
tions taking action to
protect the health and
safety of young people
and communities by
reducing underage
alcohol use and its
• gative consequences.
We will accomplish
this by working
together to change
statewide policies and
practices regarding
youth access to alcohol.
Minnesota
Join Together
Coalition
Mini Grants
Request for Proposals
MINNESOTA
JOIN
TOG ETHER
T nderage drinking and its negative"consequences affects all of us in Minnesota. Long-
term solutions to this problem will require involvement from all segments of the
r "mm•,n:m 1,4;, „ac,„-., yin Tn.,orhpr !.. rkn_an rn Cn c ;re "Wn rc n .,n„r6 orresf
to alcohol policy. This "supply side" approach puts the responsibility on the "providers" of
alcohol to youth. Through changes in public policy we hope to modify the environment that
leads young people to have easy access to alcohol. This effort, when combined with the
important work being done by other organizations across Minnesota, can have a tremendous
impact on the seemingly insurmountable problems caused by the abuse of alcohol by under-
age drinkers.
The purpose of the Minnesota Join Together (MJT) Mini Grant program is to offer small
grants to community groups, public health services, law enforcement, coalitions, and other
organizations to support our statewide policy efforts at the local level. Each year, the MJT
Governing Board completes a work plan to prioritize its policy efforts. Grant proposals
which most effectively support MJT's work plan will receive priority for funding. While all
grants submitted will be considered for approval, applicants are encouraged to submit
proposals which will build support for the 1998 priorities.
Coalition Priorities
The top three priorities of the Coalition are:
I) Reducing illegal sales to underage buyers through: mandatory compliance checks on all
liquor license holders; mandatory administrative penalties leading to license revocation on
chic "ic violators of the law and a:■ increase in liquor licensing fees r n for rhese
checks.
2) Changes in statutory law that would allow anyone hurt by an intoxicated underage person
to hold the adult provider accountable for the damages caused by the underage drinker.
3) Maintain the ability of local authorities to set their own alcohol policies that are at least as
strong or stronger than state law.
By reducing commercial and social sources of alcohol for underage youth and by protecting
"local control" of liquor laws we hope to reduce underage drinking and the problems and
negative consequences suffered by us all. Among the activities that would be most beneficial
in supporting our policy priorities are 1) locally conducred compliance checks ar licensed
beverage outlets; 2) Projects that target adult providers of alcohol to youth; 3) community
organizing to build grassroots support for our policy priorities, 4) locally generated media
advocacy in support of our policy priorities; and 5) programs to develop youth advocates
who will become active in policy debates.
(continued on back)
Application Procedure
Applications for the first round of grants are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 14,
1997 at the Minnesota Join Together Coalition office, 2829 Verndale Avenue, Anoka, MN
55303 -1593. You may request an application by calling Sherri Lincoln at (612) 427 -5310.
There is an electronic copy of the application on the Minnesota Institute of Public Health's
web site which you may copy (www.miph.org).
We recognize that this is a short time -line, but we feel it is important to get the program
started. The next round of mini -grants will be announced in early 1998. You may duplicate
the form, but in no case should your application exceed four pages. If your application is
handwritten, please print legibly. Illegible applications will not be considered.
Funding
You may request any amount between $500 and $5,000. If your project is approved for
5ndino n w ill have s i x mont ( u nril LJ 31, 1999 for 1997 g r y nrnn•) to sp t he
--a' 1' - r � - 19 97 a- r
award and submit a final report.
Award announcements will be made in early December, 1997.
Reports
Grantees must provide a written report at the end of their project which summarizes their
project, and supply MJT documentation of results, participant numbers, copies of media
coverage, and a list of key participants.
Application Review
All grant applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of MJT Governing Board
members and staff.
Expectations of all Grantees
A11 grantees will be expected to document their projects in a dear, concise manner in order
for the results to be easily quantified and used to demonstrate project effectiveness.
We will give priority to:
• Projects that support our policy priorities.
• Projects which effectively involve youth in reducing youth access to alcohol.
• Projects which involve multiple persons or groups in planning and implementation.
We will not fund
• Proposals that simply supplement existing staff and projects.
• Alternative activities, such as lock -ins, etc.
• Proposals which do not demonstrate a clear connection to our goal of reducing youth
access to alcohol.
Ifyou have further questions you may contact feffNachbar, Project Director at (612) 427 -5310
or by E -Mail at Nachbar@mipb.org
eat
Minnesota Join Together Coalition — Mini Grant Application 1997
Applicant/Organization Name: Hopkins Police Department
Contact Person: Connie Kurtz
Address 1010 1s Street South
City: Hopkins State: MN Zip: 55343
Daytime Phone: (612) 939 -1385 Evening Phone: (612) 931 -9777
Amount Requested: $1580.00
What geographic area will your project impact? Area to be affected by the project will be the city of
Hopkins, which is 4 square miles, population 16, 532 and the Hopkins School District, which serves four
communities and has a student enrollment of 8,038 students.
1. Describe your project in detail:
The Hopkins Police Department, with the help of the Hopkins Chemical Health Commission will develop
and implement a program designed to perform liquor checks at all licensed liquor establishments in the
city of Hopkins (On -sale — 17; Off-sale — 10). Components of the program will include: the development of
a step -by -step procedure for performing the liquor compliance check, recruitment of reliable community
youth participants who will be used to perform the compliance check, and responsible adults who will
assist the police department in administering the compliance checks and the project. Results of the
compliance checks will be forwarded to the Hopkins City Council, the Hopkins School District and Hopkins
Business and Civic Association. Statistical results of the compliance checks will be made public via the
official city newspaper. In addition, locations that have failed the compliance check will be fumished with
information to correct the problem, prior to a follow -up compliance check.
2. How does your project support MJT's policy priorities?
The city of Hopkins formed the Chemical Health Commission in 1988 in response to community concem
regarding youth access and use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. The Chemical Health Commission is
comprised of concerned parents, students, business owners, residents, school and city officials who are
dedicated to promoting a safe and healthy community.
The Hopkins Police Department and Chemical Health Commission are committed to reducing youth
access to alcohol. The Chemical Health Commission is in support of currently proposed legislation to
reduce underage use of alcohol (SF316/HF761).
3. How will your project reduce youth access to alcohol in your community?
The focus of the project will be to determine the present level of liquor establishment compliance in
checking identification as required by law. By identifying locations that are not in compliance, we will be
able to assist these liquor establishments in correcting the problem by providing them with information on
proper identification procedures, and if necessary, take administrative or legal action if repeat violations
occur.
Liquor establishments who consistently comply with checking identification of all potential underage
purchasers will reduce youth access to alcohol.
In addition, media coverage will help reinforce the message that Hopkins will not tolerate underage
drinking.
4. What other organizations, agencies, and individuals will participate in your project?
Susan Hilal — Hopkins Police Reserve Officer
See attached list.
1997 A Town Meeting was held in June 1997 regarding youth access to alcohol and tobacco.
5. If your project includes youth, ` will they be involved in your project?
Youth will participate in performing the liquor compliance checks. Also, the youth representative from the
Chemical Health Commission will participate in the administration of the project.
The Chemical Health Commission and the Hopkins School District, with assistance from Hennepin County
Community Health, are exploring the possibility of conducting a focus group discussion with school district
students regarding youth access to alcohol and alcohol use. Results of the focus group can help support
the findings of the compliance checks.
6. Describe your plan to use the media to promote your project or results?
Prior to the start of the compliance checks an informational article regarding compliance with state liquor
laws, current trend of youth access to alcohol and abuse would be published in the official city newspaper.
Upon completion of the project, results will be forwarded to the Hopkins City Council, Hopkins School
District and Hopkins Business and Civic Association. A follow -up article reporting the statistical results of
the compliance check project including interviews/statements from the above mentioned groups would be
published in the official city newspaper.
7. What other projects have your group /organization carried out in the last three years that
indicate we can expect you to be successful with this one?
1995 Hopkins Police worked with the Hopkins Jaycees to improve their liquor sales procedures to
reduce youth access to alcohol during the annual Raspberry Festival. Since procedures were
instituted, there has been a noticeable decrease in alcohol related problems during this event.
1996 Hopkins Police Department conducted one -time liquor compliance checks in response to
complaints of underage youth purchases.
1996 Hopkins Police Department participated in a Minnesota Department of Health tobacco compliance
project. Participation in this project resulted in the development and passage of a city ordinance
regulating the sale of tobacco in October 1997 (Ordinance # 97 -805.)
1997 Chemical Health Commission sponsored a community -wide program "Walking the Talk ", a program
for parents about alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and nonuse.
1
8. Provide a timeline for your project, listing the major steps you will take to complete it, who is
responsible for carrying it out, and when.
Step Person /Group Responsible for
1. Develop Compliance Check & Training Procedures /Connie Kurtz
2, Recruit & train youth & adult participants /C. Kurtz & Chem Hlth Comm
3. Media Coverage — article(s) in newspaper /C. Kurtz & Chem Hlth Comm
4. Conduct Compliance Checks /C. Kurtz & Hopkins Police
Compliance checks to coincide with School District Spring Break,
Prom and end of school year
5. Follow -up compliance checks if necessary
6. Compile & report results to City Council, School District, HBCA & media
Date/Completion
February 1998
March 1998
April 1998
April -May 1998
April -June 1998
June -July 1998
9. Provide a budget for your project. Be specific about how you will spend the money you are
requesting. Do not list "miscellaneous" or "supplies" or other general categories as items.
Item Cost
Budget for liquor purchases $ 300.00
Staff time for training youth 330.00
Staff time for performing compliance checks & follow -up checks 750,00
Postage, envelopes, paper/brochure for mailings, gasoline, and
refreshments after compliance checks 200.00
Total $1580.00
10. Is additional funding required to complete your project? NO
Key collaborators will be contributing their time as needed for the project. In addition, Connie Kurtz of the
Hopkins Police Department will be providing in -kind support in the amount of $1200.
11. How will you follow up your project? What do you anticipate will occur after your project is
complete?
Project follow -up will consist of conducting a seminar for all liquor license holders designed to educate
owners and managers regarding their responsibilities as far as the Liquor laws are concemed, changes to
liquor laws or city ordinance, in addition to making sure proper identification procedures are understood
and followed.
Also, work toward developing city policy mandating annual compliance checks and administrative
penalties for non - compliance
Conduct a focus study with community youth regarding their views on underage drinking, youth access to
alcohol and possible solutions to this problem.
12. In what ways can you /your organization participate in the Minnesota Join Together Coalition?
The Chemical Health Commission will continue to support Minnesota Join Together Coalition's efforts in
reducing youth access to alcohol. The Commission is currently a member of the Star of the North
Coalition and Community Prevention Coalition. The Commission is in support of proposed legislation to
reduce underage use of alcohol. As mentioned above the Commission will seek to encourage the city to
adopt a policy mandating annual compliance checks and administrative penalties. The Commission was
successful in developing an ordinance regulating tobacco sales which was passed in October 1997.
13. By submitting this application, the organizations and individuals involved in this project agree
to comply with all reporting requirements as requested by MJT, to provide documentation of
project activities, data on any compliance checks conducted, and copies of any media
coverage.
Agreed t 4, a i,u - V�t.t Date: L`7r i Yt / 13, 1997
9 �
(Signed by co r�Ct pers
4. Continued — Key Collaborators
Chemical Health Commission
Dave Taber, Co -Chair
1010 1'` Street South
Hopkins MN 55343
Ph: 930 -9730
Howard Epstein
Hennepin County Community Health
525 Portland Avenue
Minneapolis MN 55415
Ph: 348 -7550
Jeyn Hofacker
Community Prevention Coalition of Hennepin County
525 Portland Avenue Room
Minneapolis MN 55415
Ph: 348 -3925
Sharon MacDonald
Chemical Health Counselor
District #270
2400 Lindbergh Drive
Minnetonka MN 55305
Ph: 988 -4528
Tom Lee, Special Investigator
MN Dept of Public Safety
Liquor & Gambling Enforcement
Ph: 296 -6159
Breakdown of expenses
LIQUOR PURCHASES
On -sale $4 /drink x 17 locations x 3 people $140
Off-sale $7/6 -pack x 10 locations x 1 person plus tax 75
STAFF
Follow -up purchases
75
TOTAL $290 (300)
Develop compliance check procedure (in -kind)
$17 /hr x 10 hours $170
Training of youth recruits
$33/hr x 10 hours x 1 person $330
$17 /hr x 10 hours x 1 person (in -kind) 170
Compliance check
$33 /hr x'/ hr x 27 locations $445 (500)
$17 /hr x' hr x 27 locations (in -kind) 230
Follow -up compliance checks
$33 /hr x' hr x 14 locations 223 (250)
$17 /hr x' /2 hr x 14 locations (in -kind) 115
Staff time for preparation of reports, letters, interview
(in -kind) $17 /hr x 30 hours $510
Other Expenses
Postage /paper /envelopes /refreshments, gasoline 200
Total In -kind $ 1195
Total Grant 1580
Grand Total $ 2775
Budget
Budget for liquor purchases $ 300.00
Staff time for training of youth 330.00
Staff time for performing compliance checks 500.00
Follow -up compliance checks 250.00
Other Expenses 200.00
(postage, paper, envelopes, brochures,
gasoline, refreshments)
TOTAL $1580.00
In -kind funding provided by Hopkins Police
Staff time for developing compliance check procedure
Staff time for training youth
Staff time for performing compliance checks
follow -up compliance checks
Staff time for preparation of reports, letters, interviews
$ 170.00
170.00
230.00
115.00
510.00
TOTAL $1195.00
Sen. Ember Reichgo« Junge Rep. Linda Wejcman
Room 205 Capitol Room 407 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155 St. Paul, MN 55155
612/296 -2889 6121296 -7152
SUMMARY OF KEY PROVISIONS OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO
REDUCE UNDERAGE USE OF ALCOHOL
SF316IHF 761
1. Forbids the use of cartoon characters, caricatures or similar materials
reasonably likely to appeal to persons under the age of 21 on labels of cordials
and liqueur bottles.
2. Requires civil penalties for the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21
years of age by a licensee or employee of a licensee.
3. Enables community groups to perform alcohol compliance checks with
underage persons while under the direct supervision of a responsible adult
for training, education, research, or enforcement.
4. Mandates two compliance checks in a two year period in each location where
alcoholic beverages are sold.
5. Mandates training programs for the licensee and all employees who sell or
serve alcoholic beverages.
6. Prohibits the retail sale of cordials and liqueurs in bottle sizes of less than 375
milliliters.
7. Provides for tighter controls on home delivery of alcoholic beverages.
MINN ESOTA
OIN
TOGETHER
A Coalition to Reduce
Underage Drinking
2829 Verndale Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303 -1593
612- 427 -5310
MN 800 - 247 -1303
FAX 612 - 427 -7841
GOVERNING BOARD
Connie Bernardy. Chair
Linda Bosnia. Vice Chair
Therese Blaine
Lance Boelter
Bryan Brown
Fibrilla Lord Faris
Robert Grytdaht
John Gul{a
Cassie Hamilton
Judy Knapp
Jaime klartmez
Gary Nytes
Linda Ojala
Anu Sharma
Janet Silversmith
Mark Vukelich
41 ward on recycled paper conlaimngm
w • leas) tO% posi-consumer paper 'hers
December 6, 1997
Connie Kurtz
Hopkins Police Department
1010 1st Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Dear Ms, Kurtz:
We are pleased to let you know that our Mini -Grants Committee and
Governing Board have approved your grant request for $1,580.00 to
address youth access to alcohol policies in your community.
The mini -grant program was much more competitive than we anticipated.
We received 35 grant applications requesting over $135,000 and could
only fund just over $36,000. While we are extremely encouraged by the
tremendous interest demonstrated in Minnesota for working on youth
access to alcohol policy, it did make for some difficult decisions regarding
which proposals to fund. You are to be congratulated for writing an
excellent proposal.
Please complete and return the enclosed form. After we receive it we will
mail your check along with information about our expectations from
grantees. We hope to be able to provide you and your organization with
assistance and look forward very much to working with you on
improving the health and safety of our young people and communities.
If you have any questions please contact Jeff Nachbar at (612) 427 -5310
or by E -Mail at JNachbar @miph.org.
Y r ��
Jef Nachbar
Project Director
r14- j
Linda Bosma
Mini -Grants Chair
Governing Board Vice -Chair
Connie Bernardy
Governing Board Chair