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Minnetonka adopts encampment response policy prioritizing outreach, service and case management
Summary
Council unanimously adopted a proactive encampment response policy that emphasizes outreach by social‑service partners, documentation, a city‑manager review before enforcement and a 72‑hour vacate notice only after services are exhausted; staff will hold belongings for one week and prioritize sensitive locations like parks and schools.
On June 8 the Minnetonka City Council approved an encampment response policy designed to codify how the city will respond if an encampment occurs on municipal property or public rights of way. The policy—developed with input from police, social‑service partners and community stakeholders—prioritizes outreach and connection to services before any enforcement action.
Under the new policy, officers or staff who find tents or a potential encampment must notify the city’s social‑service partner and begin case documentation; service providers and the embedded city social worker attempt to identify shelter or temporary housing options. The city manager must review a written report that documents outreach, public‑safety concerns and alternatives before authorizing enforcement action. Only after that review and after outreach steps have been exhausted would authorities issue a 72‑hour vacate notice; if no safe accommodation is available, criminal charges are not initiated solely for homelessness, officials said.
The council also directed staff to use careful procedures for collecting, safeguarding and returning personal property removed from cleared sites and to prioritize enforcement in parks, near schools and city infrastructure. Council member Maxwell requested a wording change to replace the word “cleaned” with “cleared” when describing post‑vacate site handling; staff agreed.
Staff emphasized that Minnetonka has not experienced an encampment to date and developed the policy to be prepared while minimizing harm. The policy passed by unanimous roll‑call vote.
