Commission approves Second Chance Network solicitation with insurance and location conditions

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved a request from the Second Chance Network to conduct charitable solicitations at specified intersections March 12–13, subject to conditions on insurance and permitted locations.

Commissioners pressed the group on several issues: the content and expiration of the certificate of liability insurance, prior instances when solicitors were reported at intersections not on the approved list, safety concerns at some locations and whether solicitors were volunteers or paid. A city staff attorney explained the city requires the organization’s certificate to name the city as an additional insured rather than merely a certificate holder.

A representative of Second Chance Network said the group would provide an updated certificate (extended to March 2016 on the presented copy) and confirmed the city was listed as additionally insured on that version. The representative also said the group works with local partners including The Salvation Army and Oakland County homeless coalition, tries to keep funds raised in Macomb County and that some paid participants are individuals the group helps place into temporary work.

Commissioners also raised safety concerns about soliciting near the I‑94 exit and at a Church/Grosbeck intersection; the Second Chance representative agreed to remove those locations from the approved list. Several commissioners said they wanted improved oversight and suggested the group report back after the event.

The motion passed on roll call with the condition that the organization provide an updated certificate naming the city as additional insured and that specified intersections be removed from the list; one commissioner voted no.

The commission asked staff to ensure the updated insurance language and to monitor compliance with the approved conditions.