Manteca firefighters who “Filled the Boot” last month for Jerry’s Kids were in violation of municipal law that prohibits the solicitation of money for any reason within 100 feet of an intersection.

In 2002 when the City Council took steps to curtail aggressive panhandling, it outlawed solicitation within 100 feet of any signalized intersection, in public parking lots after dark, restaurant, within 15 feet of an ATM, or lending institution. They made no exception for charitable organizations or individuals acting on their behalf to engage in fund-raising activities for non-profits.

The Manteca Firefighters Association solicited donations by carrying around firefighter turnout boots to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Police Chief Dave Bricker said staff does not believe that it was the council’s attempt to bar non-profits from such activities.

The City Council on Tuesday will consider adopting a process that would allow charitable donations to solicit in locations now banned by allowing non-profits to seek permits from the police chief.

The council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.