october 25,2016
Dear Judicial Council:
322 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 334-313r
wdba @ mplswarehouse.com
www. mplswarehouse.com
On behalf of the Warehouse Distrist Business Association I want to express our support for
removing tvuo City of Minneapolis ordinances that fall under payable offenses. While we
understand the rationale behind placing these offenses on the Payahles list, these items also
align with chronic and repeated behavior we see in our downtown area and unfortunately
alltoo often in our entertainment district.
As an organization focused on creating and promoting a vibrant, safe and strong area for all
who live, work, play, visit and explore Minneapolis, I stongly encourage you to consider
removing the offenses below from the Payables list as it will offer enhanced resources and
protocol for law enforcement to diligently continue helping create a more widespread
feeling of real and perceived safety in our downtown community.
This list includes two Livability Offenses: The majority of livable offenses are minor, but for a
very small subset of the population livability offenses are a daily reality and account for a
disproportionate law enforcement response. When offenders become chronic, law
enforcement must respond accordingly. Constant and repeated violations oeate a real
barrier for keeping our community safe.
These include:
o Consuming in Public -
Mpls Ord 364.40
o Loitering with an Open Bottle - Mpls Ord 364.45
Once an offense is designated as a payable offense the ability of law enforcement,
prosecution, and the courts to respond to the issue is limited. The experience of many local
business owners, concerned citizens, and passive observers is that there is simply no
consequence when a defendant fails to respond to a payable citation, As a result the
experience in downtown has been greatly impacted by open drinking and alcohol
consumption.
possibility.We have a shared goal of
I appreciate your consideration as you review this
keeping our communities safe, and we strive to create a thriving environment for everyone.
These offenses, while minor, accumulate and cause a much larger impact on our
community's safety when individuals chronically engage in these activities. Displacing these
Minneapolis ordinances would help enhance the public's overall long-term safety.
/h^f*-6^--
M. Kaufman