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f^~/ <br />Ci*v c= <br />Elk -~ <br />River <br />REQUEST FOR ACTION <br />TO ITEM NUMBER <br />Economic Develo ment Authori 5. <br />AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY <br /> May 14, 2012 ClayWilfahrt, Assistant Director of <br /> Economic Develo ment <br />ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED B)/ <br />Consider Donation Policy Cal Portner, Ci Administrator <br /> REVIEWED BY <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Consider a donation policy <br />BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION <br />The EDA frequently receives requests for donations and typically considers the requests for donations on <br />case-by--case basis. In the past, comnvssioners expressed an interest in considering a donation policy. <br />State statutes define legal donations from governmental units. The recent donation requests fall within <br />statutory requirements. Following are three options to consider. <br />Maintain Status ~uo -Case-b,~ e <br />Currently, the EDA considers request as they are received. The EDA has budgeted some funds for <br />specific anticipated requests during the budget process. The challenge occurs when funds have not been <br />budgeted for donation and staff has to account for the expenditure in an area programmed for other uses. <br />Secondly, there is no specific timeframe for the receipt and consideration of requests or means to know <br />how many more wall be requested. Lastly, the Authority is forced to make a decision while vulnerable to <br />an emotional appeal. <br />No Donation Policy <br />By adopting a policy of no donations to private individuals or organizations, the Authority sidesteps the <br />request and would focus funding other EDA initiatives. This resolves the budget and timeframe issues. <br />Minnetonka has a no donation policy, which is attached. The counter argument to a No Donation Policy <br />is that a donation may create economic benefit for the community, which may conflict with the intent of <br />the Authority. <br />Donation Policy <br />Adopt a policy that requires an approved budget amount each year, requires an application and a clear <br />deadline for donations that as a ruin;mum meets statutory requirements. The EDA would then discuss <br />and approve all donations for the remainder of the year. The policywould allow for funding and a fair <br />deliberative process. <br />N:\Departmerrts\Community Development\Economic Development\EDA to move\Agenda\Year 2012\5-1412 EDA Agenda\Consider Donation <br />Policydoc <br />