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Mounds View City Council April 23, 1984 Regular Meeting Page Three Councilmember Linke stated the idea of the Festival in the Park was not to present issues of any kind, which is why the bylaw was written, and it is a day for the citizens to come out and enjoy the parks and themselves. He added that any fundraising activities must go to the Commission first, and he noted that anyone that does have a booth at the Festival cannot identify themselves or hand out literature or express their philosophy. He recommended waiting for Attorney Meyers opinion before discussing the issue further. Motion /Second: Hankner Linke to call for the question. 3 ayes 2 nays Councilmember Doty and Mayor McCarty voted against the motion, and it failed for lack of a 4/5 vote. Mayor McCarty stated the Festival in the Park is meant to be a family day, with the intent to stay away from politics and passing out literature and so forth, but it has become political, with people wearing political identifying buttons and discussions that have gone on, and so forth, and he stated he could not advocate turning around in mid- stream and denying this request. He added that he does believe parental guidance is required. Ms. Kluck stated she would personally guarantee that no minor would see the exhibit without having their parent present. Councilmember Linke pointed out that political discussions that may occur go on between adults, not children. He alr-o pointed out they have upheld the rule that no booths of this type be allowed in the past, and to allow this would tr_ily be turning around mid stream. Councilmember Hankner stated children are not capable of understanding the issue of abortion, and there was no guarantee that children in the area would not see some- thing, or overhear something, or pick up some discarded literature. Ms. Kluck stated that anyone who is old enough to make babies is old enough to t iderstand the abortion issue. She added that it is a social issue, at a social event. Brian Mackimerri, 5086 Brighton Lane, stated he did not feel it should be called a political issue. Mr. Beutell pointed out that if the Festival is opened ip to something like this, they would have to open it ip to all politicai quesLiocis and opposing issues. He stated he would not want his children exposed to some- thing like this. Motion Failed