Purple Light Initiative for Domestic Violence Awareness

Purpose:  The purpose of this report is to update Council on a request to illuminate the outside of the Municipal Center in purple lighting during October for Domestic Violence Awareness month and to seek approval for the City to participate in the initiative.

Background:  Staff was contacted by Mary Sheie, an Anoka County resident and active participant in several local and metro area domestic violence awareness groups.  She had earlier submitted a proposal to the Anoka County Sheriff to participate in the "Purple Lights Initiative" which is an initiative to illuminate the outside of government buildings in purple during October 2018, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month.  Sheriff Stuart agreed to illuminate the Sheriff's Office Building on Hanson Boulevard during the entire month of October. 

Ms. Sheie stated that after meeting with the Sheriff, she had conversation with Cathy Green, a local woman who is also an advocate for domestic violence victims and currently works on the relief staff of Alexander House.  Ms. Green suggested presenting a proposal to also illuminate the Ramsey City Buildings. 

Mary Sheie, Cathy Green, and Terry Refshaw (a Ramsey resident) have submitted a written proposal for Council to consider.  Such proposal is attached for Council review.  The premise of the proposal is that the City of Ramsey light its public buildings and spaces purple, the signatory hue for domestic violence, in October 2018.  The purpose is to highlight/draw attention to the issue of domestic abuse and join a "Conversation" about it that is already going on both statewide and nationally.  From that conversation will flow more local education and awareness about this critical issue.  


If the the Council supports this effort, Ms. Sheie will meet with Building Maintenance Supervisor Dan Bray to discuss the details of how the lighting will be done.  Staff suggested that Ms. Sheie may also want to consider the City's parking ramp next to City Hall in the plans as well. It is anticipated that the majority of the installation will be done by volunteers, and that the City will absorb any incremental increase in electrical cost for the lighting.  Building maintenance staff and inspection staff will ensure that all installation is in accordance with the applicable safety codes.

It is anticipated that Ms. Sheie, Ms. Refshaw and Ms. Green will be available at the work session this evening to talk more about the proposal as well as answer any questions. 

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City Administrator Kurt Ulrich.

Council consensus approval for the City to participate in the Purple Lights initiative to draw attention to the issue of domestic abuse during Domestic Violence month which is October, 2018.