Commission OKs two 2016 charity drives and moves to ban street solicitation in 2017

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved two short-term charitable solicitation requests for 2016 but signaled a policy shift that will limit future street solicitation.

The commission granted the Knights of Columbus Council No. 744 permission for a Tootsie Roll Drive on October 7–9, 2016, and approved the Mount Clemens Goodfellows' December 2016 solicitation dates. Administration read the requests and noted that solicitors must provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured and will wear identifying vests.

At the same time, a staff member told the commission the city will bring an update recommending that, based on a recent attorney general opinion, solicitation that interferes with the normal flow of traffic — including charitable solicitations in streets — not be allowed beginning Jan. 1, 2017. "As of 01/01/2017, we not allow solicitation to the street," the staff member said, citing the attorney general opinion as persuasive guidance. Commissioners debated whether giving current charities notice and alternatives for selling (sidewalk locations, other corners) would mitigate impacts, noting groups like the Goodfellows rely heavily on street sales.

Commissioners voted to approve the 2016 solicitations and discussed sending written notice to recurring organizations so they can plan for the 2017 change.

Why it matters: the change responds to safety and liability concerns and a state-level interpretation of traffic rules; it requires charities to adapt longstanding fundraising practices.

The commission approved both requests by roll call.