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Councilmember Zimmerman felt that this was definitely advertising and he did not feel <br />doing it in this manner was a good idea. He suggested if Ace wanted to donate something <br />to the City, they could do just that. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated she agreed and added that if Ace ends up with that kind of <br />excess cash, they could just as well refund their customers. She added that she would not <br />support this idea. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated he would support accepting a donation from Ace just as a <br />donation is accepted from the Lions for example. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated that the Lions are a non-profit organization - Ace is not. She <br />has a problem accepting a donation from Ace because the money is actually coming from <br />Ramsey's residents who are their customers. She reiterated that any excess dollars should <br />be given back to the customer as a reduction in their bill. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin suggested writing Ace a letter thanking them for this opportunity and letting <br />them know we have accepted other donations but in a different manner. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated she is uncomfortable accepting any donations. <br /> <br />City Administrator Schroeder commented that the City gets all kinds of donations. He <br />listed examples such as the Becky Weiss Bike Road-eo, D.A.R.E. Program, etc., plus the <br />Fire Department solicits donations. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated she did not have a problem accepting donations for those <br />programs but felt that Ace's proposal is to promote their company. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin inquired where would Central Park be without donations from companies. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer reiterated that this donation from Ace would be from dollars gained <br />through fees from Ramsey resident customers. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson felt that probably no one on the Council would support this <br />particular proposal from Ace. He felt that it would be a good idea to send a letter to Ace <br />stating that they could make a donation to the City, but the City is not interested in <br />recognizing the program they have submitted. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman agreed with that. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beahen also agreed and added that Ace would still have the opportunity to <br />donate something to the City. <br /> <br />Motion by Mayor Hardin and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to direct Staff to write a <br />letter to Ace thanking them for presenting the donation program. Let them know the City <br />will accept donations the same as with other organizations; however, they are not willing to <br />recognize it in the way proposed. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Peterson inquired if maybe the City Attorney should <br />review the policy of accepting donations. Mr. Schroeder offered to also check with the <br />League of Minnesota Cities. Councilmember Beyer commented that she can see some <br />companies donating to the City and then turning around and asking what the City can do <br /> <br />Finance Committee/June 27, 1995 <br /> Page 2 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />