The Rome Shrine Club is asking city officials to consider changing a local ordinance that would allow charitable organizations to solicit donations within roadways.
Tim Minter appeared before a city committee on behalf of the Rome Shrine Club to present the request. Minter highlighted the club’s charitable work and said the organization would be willing to follow safety requirements and other restrictions established by the city.
Minter cited O.C.G.A. § 40-6-97.1 as the legal basis for the proposed ordinance change. He also presented Douglas County’s charitable solicitation ordinance as a possible model for Rome.
The Douglas County ordinance includes requirements such as liability insurance, designated solicitation locations, safety vests and restrictions on the times when roadway solicitations can take place.
Minter said the Shrine Club would agree to whatever conditions the city establishes, including restrictions on specific intersections where solicitation would not be permitted.
City Attorney Andy Davis told the committee that creating an ordinance specifically for one organization could present legal challenges. He explained that any change in the city’s policy would need to be applied consistently to other charitable organizations as well.
Joe Smith clarified that the city’s current charitable solicitation ordinance allows organizations to obtain permits to solicit on public property. However, the existing ordinance does not authorize charitable solicitation within the roadway.
Major Rusty Blair of the Rome Police Department also addressed the issue from a traffic safety standpoint. Blair noted that ongoing road construction and detours throughout the city have contributed to increased traffic congestion.
Commissioner Fisher expressed a personal safety concern about charitable solicitors approaching vehicles while drivers are stopped in traffic.
Following the discussion, Chairman Craig McDaniel directed the matter to City Attorney Davis for further review in consultation with Smith.
Davis and Smith were asked to evaluate the city’s legal authority under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-97.1 and report their findings back to the committee.
No formal action was taken on the ordinance request at this time.
