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WORKSHOP MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 <br />The City Administrator stated he heard the majority of Council does not want to leave the city <br />code as is, and noted that it would not be difficult to move this along to the next Council meeting <br />for action. <br />ZA D <br />The Administration Fellow stated there are currently no restrictions for tobacco or cannabis use <br />in city parks. He presented background on the cannabis ordinance and the feedback received <br />from the Parks & Rec Commission. He noted they had concerns about racial injustice. He <br />outlined the desire to have a separate city code chapter for tobacco and cannabis restrictions, and <br />requested guidance on definitions from the council, such as where tobacco and cannabis should <br />be restricted, and what products should be restricted. <br />Discussion ensure around the topic of tobacco and cannabis products, public places, and <br />enforcement. <br />T. Miller stated any rules regarding smoke would be best, but it would be difficult to regulate <br />edibles. She questioned other items and beverages, such as ones with THC in them, and how <br />those would be included. D. Miller asked how these beverages were currently regulated. The <br />City Clerk stated they are generally unregulated in public as they are non-alcoholic. <br />T. Miller asked how would enforcement occur on tobacco and cannabis use if there are no city <br />staff or police around. She mentioned people might not call the police unless there are bigger <br />issues occurring, such as disruptive behavior. She stated signage would be definitely needed, but <br />this will be difficult to enforce. The Management Fellow stated that most individuals will <br />comply when simply asked, but a few might not, and those people may get a fine or <br />misdemeanor. <br />The City Clerk asked if all tobacco and cannabinoid products should be prohibited, or only <br />products that would bother the person next to you, such as vapor or smoke. She noted that staff <br />recommends chewing tobacco also be prohibited. T. Miller asked if alcohol was allowed in the <br />parks, and noted the potential poor behavioral element of both substances. The City Clerk <br />replied that alcohol is not allowed in the parks without city permission. <br />Mayor Fischer stated that the enforcement piece is about behavior and being able to enforce poor <br />behavior, which is key. He noted the second-hand smoke element is what is trying to be <br />eliminated, and other edible products like gummies are impossible to regulate. <br />The City Clerk explained that enforcement on tobacco and cannabis will likely be only complaint <br />driven, and the first step of enforcement would be a verbal warning. She noted that most people <br />will cooperate if asked, and it would only be people that do not comply who would get a fine or <br />ticket. She stated the Parks & Rec Commission was concerned about enforcement, so the verbal <br />warning and administrative fine options were added based on their comments. <br />3 <br />