City Ordinance file updated 2025
Proposed ordinance - Public Hearing July 22, 2025 @ 12:45pm at Willow River City Hall: 8099 Co Hwy 61
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING PROTESTS AND PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF WILLOW RIVER
WHEREAS, the City of Willow River recognizes the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of free speech and assembly; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to ensure public safety, prevent disruption of public services, and maintain order on public property; and
WHEREAS, requiring permits for protests and public demonstrations allows the City to coordinate resources, ensure public safety, and minimize conflicts with other public uses;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Willow River as follows:
SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS
• Protest or Public Demonstration: Any organized assembly, rally, march, picketing, or similar activity involving three or more persons conducted on public property for the purpose of expressing views, grievances, or advocacy.
• Public Property: Any property owned or controlled by the City of Willow River, including but not limited to streets, sidewalks, parks, plazas, and public buildings.
• Permit: A written authorization issued by the City Council or its designated representative for conducting a protest or public demonstration on public property.
SECTION 2: PERMIT REQUIREMENT
• No person or group shall organize, conduct, or participate in a protest or public demonstration on public property within the city limits of Willow River without first obtaining a permit from the City Council.
• Applications for a permit shall be submitted to the City Clerk at least 30 business days prior to the proposed protest or public demonstration, including:
• The name, address, and contact information of the organizer;
• The proposed date, time, location, and estimated number of participants;
• A description of the planned activities; and
• Any requests for city services (e.g., traffic control, sanitation).
• The City Council or its designated representative shall issue a permit unless:
• The proposed event would potentially interfere with public safety, traffic, or essential city services;
• The application is incomplete or contains false information;
• The proposed event violates any federal, state, or local law;
or
• Another permitted event is already scheduled at the same time and location.
• The City Council shall respond to permit applications during the next planned city council meeting, providing approval, denial, or conditions for approval.
SECTION 3: VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
• Any person who organizes, conducts, or participates in a protest or public demonstration on public property without a required permit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
• Upon conviction, violators may be subject to a fine not exceeding $500 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
• Law enforcement officers for the City of Willow River are authorized to arrest individuals who violate this ordinance, in accordance with applicable state law.
SECTION 4: ENFORCEMENT
The Pine County Sheriff’s Department, or any other designated law enforcement authority, shall enforce the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 5: SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this ordinance is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6: EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect immediately after its passage and publication as required by law.
WHEREAS, the City of Willow River recognizes the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of free speech and assembly; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to ensure public safety, prevent disruption of public services, and maintain order on public property; and
WHEREAS, requiring permits for protests and public demonstrations allows the City to coordinate resources, ensure public safety, and minimize conflicts with other public uses;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Willow River as follows:
SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS
• Protest or Public Demonstration: Any organized assembly, rally, march, picketing, or similar activity involving three or more persons conducted on public property for the purpose of expressing views, grievances, or advocacy.
• Public Property: Any property owned or controlled by the City of Willow River, including but not limited to streets, sidewalks, parks, plazas, and public buildings.
• Permit: A written authorization issued by the City Council or its designated representative for conducting a protest or public demonstration on public property.
SECTION 2: PERMIT REQUIREMENT
• No person or group shall organize, conduct, or participate in a protest or public demonstration on public property within the city limits of Willow River without first obtaining a permit from the City Council.
• Applications for a permit shall be submitted to the City Clerk at least 30 business days prior to the proposed protest or public demonstration, including:
• The name, address, and contact information of the organizer;
• The proposed date, time, location, and estimated number of participants;
• A description of the planned activities; and
• Any requests for city services (e.g., traffic control, sanitation).
• The City Council or its designated representative shall issue a permit unless:
• The proposed event would potentially interfere with public safety, traffic, or essential city services;
• The application is incomplete or contains false information;
• The proposed event violates any federal, state, or local law;
or
• Another permitted event is already scheduled at the same time and location.
• The City Council shall respond to permit applications during the next planned city council meeting, providing approval, denial, or conditions for approval.
SECTION 3: VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
• Any person who organizes, conducts, or participates in a protest or public demonstration on public property without a required permit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
• Upon conviction, violators may be subject to a fine not exceeding $500 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
• Law enforcement officers for the City of Willow River are authorized to arrest individuals who violate this ordinance, in accordance with applicable state law.
SECTION 4: ENFORCEMENT
The Pine County Sheriff’s Department, or any other designated law enforcement authority, shall enforce the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 5: SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this ordinance is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6: EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect immediately after its passage and publication as required by law.
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