Adopt Resolution #17-10-279 Amending Policy for Donation of Surplus Equipment to a Nonprofit Organization

The policy on Donation of Surplus Property to Non-Profits was adopted by City Council Resolution #16-10-205, October 25, 2016.  Since that time, staff has received a request to consider disposing of unclaimed found bicycles to local non-profit groups.  These groups would ultimately distribute repaired bicycles back into the community.  Currently unclaimed property, including bicycles, are disposed of through public auction (publicsurplus.com). 

The definition of Surplus Equipment in the current policy does not address bicycles or other unclaimed property, but rather equipment purchased by the City for use in police, fire, and public works operations.  The law allows cities to to further define Surplus Equipment within their policy on donation to non-profits.

Further defining what constitutes "Surplus Equipment" does not change the process for disposition within the policy. The Ramsey City Council approves of and makes all declarations of surplus property on the City Council Consent Agenda. 

Alternative 1 - Leave the current policy on donation of surplus property to non-profits as is.  Bicycles and other property owned by the City would not meet the definition of "Surplus Equipment" for donation to a non-profit.

Alternative 2 - Replace the definition of "Surplus Equipment" in the City of Ramsey Donation of Surplus Equipment Policy to include the following language:

A.  Any tangible property or furnishings which are owned, retained, or in possession of city operated departments or facilities.  It specifically includes equipment that is no longer needed by the city departments.
B.  Unclaimed, lost, or confiscated property which has been retained by the Police Department for over 90 days.  This shall include, but is not limited to unclaimed bicycles and other non-evidentiary items.
C. Equipment or property obtained through administrative or judicial criminal forfeiture under Minnesota State Statutes 169A.63 or 609.5315 cannot be deemed surplus property and thus municipalities are prohibited from donation and restricted on the sale of such property.

Staff recommends Alternative 2, which is to amend the current policy to include bicycles and the like in the donation guidelines.  Attached to this case is the current policy.  The language to be removed is in red strike-through and the language to be added is in bold type and underlined. 

Also attached is the Resolution amending the Donation Policy with the amended policy attached in final form.

Motion to adopt Resolution #17-10-279 Amending Policy for Donation of Surplus Equipment to a Non-Profit Organization.