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MINUTES <br />PARKS & REC COMMISSION <br />SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />4 <br />Commissioner Abruzzese asked if there would be unintended consequences of passing this <br />which could lead to discrimination in the parks. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mui commented that he would be interested in more information, as people of <br />color may be dinged for this more often. <br /> <br />Chair Horwath noted that the intent is to protect children, therefore it should be enforced <br />universally. He commented that the use of these products is pretty equal between people of color <br />and people who are white. He stated that the rules should be in place to protect children and the <br />discussion of equal enforcement could occur with staff. <br /> <br />Commissioner Abruzzese commented that the City has not had a tobacco ordinance and yet that <br />is not an issue. She asked if this would be creating a problem that does not exist. <br /> <br />The Parks & Rec Director replied that tobacco use has been an issue on the back burner since he <br />has been with the City. He noted that typically the complaints arise during events and there is <br />not an ordinance to provide enforcement authority. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mui asked if they could enact this type of ordinance for events. <br /> <br />Commissioner Schletty commented that at a recent event, people were smoking and someone <br />asked if people were allowed to smoke in the park. He noted that he was not sure. He asked <br />how they would prohibit smoking during large-scale events. <br /> <br />Commissioner DeLong Miller commented that Ramsey County is smoke-free and therefore she <br />would think the City would have a similar policy. <br /> <br />The Parks & Rec Director commented that some counties have a blanket policy, whereas <br />Ramsey County leaves it up to each city. <br /> <br />Commissioner Schletty stated that he would be interested in the experience of surrounding <br />communities related to enforcement. <br /> <br />Chair Horwath commented that generally in Minnesota, laws are enforced unequally for people <br />of color. He stated that the issue is with enforcement, but the rule should still be there. <br /> <br />Commissioner Abruzzese stated that she would like that to be acknowledged and once the <br />ordinance is passed there should be tracking to ensure there is equal enforcement. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mui stated that he does like the concept of a tobacco-free zone but wanted to <br />ensure there would not be unintended consequences. He noted that many of his neighbors smoke <br />while on walks and asked how this would be communicated to residents as this would be a big <br />change.