Muncie Board drafts street-solicitation application, requires two-week notice and liability insurance

The Presiding officer of the Muncie Board of Works and Safety said the board has developed an application and guidelines for street solicitations and will require applicants to submit forms at least two weeks before planned activity, obtain Muncie police and fire chief approval and provide proof of liability insurance.

The item was introduced May 21 as a board initiative to standardize how community members request permission to solicit funds in public rights-of-way. The presiding officer said the application will be available from staff and posted on the city website and emphasized safety: "We do know that, safety is the first thing when in all of that. We wanna make sure that we adhere to public safety," the presiding officer said.

The board stressed several stipulations for applicants: they must apply at least two weeks in advance; secure approval from both the fire chief and the police chief because activities occur in public right-of-way; carry proof of liability insurance; sign a form acknowledging the city is not liable; and not obstruct traffic. The presiding officer described the requirements as stipulations for safety rather than restrictions.

No formal vote to adopt the application is recorded in the meeting transcript. The presiding officer said staff member Lacey will make copies available and will post the form on the city website. The board indicated it will revisit the item in coming weeks if necessary.