Minutes - 2006/06/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council June 26, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 20 Public Works Director Lee said this was reviewed at a work session and it was recommended it come back to the Council. He mentioned the exception areas, such as designated smoking areas at the Community Center, and individual cars in parking lots in City parking lots. Councilmember Stigney asked where the designated smoking areas at the Community Center are located. Christina Ford, representative of the Youth Smoke Free Coalition, asked for one designated area away from the children's area and away from the front door. Councilmember Stigney asked if the area would be inside or outside. Director Lee replied that the current area is on the north side of the building, near the main entrance off of Bronson Avenue. The Community Center Staff asked that it be moved away from the daycare. Director Lee responded that two years ago they poured concrete slabs and added a picnic table to remove smokers from the main entrance, but they could look for alternative areas. Mayor Marty asked if there is another entrance that could be accommodating. Director Lee said there are two available spots, and now they are asking for both to be eliminated. Councilmember Gunn said the smoking is used mostly during evening events, when the daycare is not open. She said the playground is a significant distance from the back door, and that the only alternative is the front door, which is a poor choice. Councilmember Stigney asked about the other exception regarding the definition "adjacent" to the public park. Director Lee stated it would be vehicles parked on the street adjacent to the public park since not all parks have parking areas. Councilmember Gunn asked for changes to the language. Councilmember Thomas said she cannot support a "tobacco -free" policy and she is uncomfortable with the "smoke -free" policy. Mayor Marty said he can understand that youth clubs and buildings are tobacco free, but that citizens believe the City is putting too many restrictions on smoking. Mayor Marty stated he said he agrees with Councilmember Thomas that "smoke -free" is okay. He said he likes other Cities' ordinances that discuss youth activities, and would like to stress that there is no use around children. Director Lee stated that a smoke -free rather than tobacco -free policy would require significant signage policies. Mayor Marty added he has been looking for "tobacco free" signs in other cities, but hasn't seen any. Councilmember Flaherty stated a tobacco -free policy will be a voluntary compliance and there will be no enforcement or penalty for using tobacco. He said it is more a symbolic issue than anything else. Cindy Palm, 2266 Terrace View, reiterated that it is an empowering tool for residents, and that it gives citizens power to make sure tobacco is not used. She said it will help citizens ask others to