Members of the Rome Shrine Club attended Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting after an incident during Saturday’s First Friday concert in Downtown Rome, where a Shriner was asked by police to stop collecting donations.
Tim Minter said he was at the concert with a donation bucket when officers approached him and told him he could not continue. Minter emphasized that the officers were professional and respectful, and said he did not fault them personally.
Minter told commissioners he was not blocking sidewalks, using a megaphone, harassing anyone, or aggressively soliciting. He said he was simply standing at the event, wearing his Shriner attire and holding the bucket, when he was told to stop.
According to Minter, he was advised the complaint came from the Rome Downtown Development Authority. The DDA later stated on social media that solicitation is not permitted without prior authorization under existing city ordinances and event policies.
Section 11-311 of the City of Rome Code of Ordinances prohibits solicitation on city streets without proper authorization and permitting.
Minter said his purpose in addressing the commission was not to create conflict, but to encourage clearer policies, better training, and a better understanding of the constitutional rights of citizens involved in charitable activities.
Rome Mayor Jim Bojo invited Minter to stay after the meeting to speak with him and Kelley Toles, Director of Strategic Initiatives, saying they could work together to find a way for the Shrine Club to continue its efforts downtown.
The mayor’s comments drew applause from those in attendance.
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