City moves to ban on-street charitable solicitations starting Jan. 1, 2017, citing attorney general opinion

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved administration's recommendation that the city no longer allow civic or charitable solicitations upon any public street beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

Administration cited a July 26, 2016 opinion of the Michigan Attorney General finding that on-street solicitations may violate the state motor vehicle code and said that this interpretation aligns with city ordinance 21.205(a), which makes it unlawful for solicitors or canvassers to block, impede or otherwise interfere with the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic on public streets, alleys, sidewalks or other public areas within the city. Administration recommended the effective date of Jan. 1, 2017.

A commissioner moved to approve the recommendation and it was seconded; commissioners voted in favor on roll call. Commissioners recorded no formal amendments; the recommendation is administrative and would be reflected in city enforcement consistent with the cited attorney general opinion and the existing ordinance.

Why it matters: The change aims to reduce traffic and pedestrian safety risks by removing on-street solicitation and aligns local policy with a recent state attorney general opinion and existing city ordinance language.

What's next: City administration will implement the recommendation beginning Jan. 1, 2017, and enforcement will proceed under city ordinance 21.205(a).