The City Council didn't say no - but it didn't say yes, either.
Bemidji city councilors on Monday voted 5-1 to again visit its moratorium on donations during its April 14 work session after the city was asked by the Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area for a $10,000 donation toward its operational expenses.
"I wouldn't be standing here if ... we didn't need the money," said Leonore Potter, the executive director.
"All other sectors in the community have invested financially in the Boys & Girls Club," she said, explaining that the organization already receives donations from individuals, businesses and community groups and foundations.
The Boys & Girls Club, located at 1600 Minnesota Ave. N.W., is open to children aged 6-18.
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It offers programming for children that is designed to help youth develop the attitudes, skills, values and behaviors that enable them to succeed in life, according to its Web site.
Potter said 600 children utilize the club.
Council debate on the monetary request centered around a city moratorium on donations to nonprofit groups.
Councilor Nancy Erickson said she had to respect that moratorium. While the Boys & Girls Club provides a legitimate service to the city of Bemidji, groups such as the Headwaters Science Center, 4-H and the Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts all provide similar services, she explained.
"Once we open that door, everyone has a legitimate right to come for a request," she said.
The City Council must allocate taxpayer dollars toward city services such as roads, sewer and law enforcement, Erickson said.
"I just believe nonprofits should be ... responsible for finding their donations from (sources) other than public entities," she said.
About 20 supporters of the Boys & Girls Club attended Monday's meeting. Four mothers spoke in support of the request, including Cathy Francisco, who said that as a taxpayer she would be pleased to have her money go toward operation of the facility.
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The Boys & Girls Club helps keep children out of trouble and provides them with a place to go, she said.
"And not going out on the street causing trouble," Francisco said.
Councilor Onen Markeson said the city of Bemidji provided seed money to help the local Boys & Girls Club get started.
"As a major asset for the community we should find a way to sustain it as well," he said.
The request is representative of a larger issue, according to Councilor Barb Meuers. She said the City Council or a committee should consider what constitutes a donation - is it just monetary donations or does it also include the waiving of fees?
Councilor Ron Johnson agreed and made the motion to have the council consider the matter during its April 14 work session.
"I think we should talk about the whole situation," he said.
Meuers implored the council to consider before then whether government is solely responsible for providing services such as roads and sewer systems.
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"We are more than that," she said.
Erickson voted against the motion. Mayor Richard Lehmann did not attend Monday's meeting.
