2011.01.12 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

In discussions of a ban, the Parks Commission did a roll call vote on each of the parts. Commissioner Derek Larsen abstained. Larsen is employed by the Tobacco Free Youth Recreation Program. In a 4 to 3 vote, the Parks Commission recommended a policy verses an ordinance. One Commissioner voted to have neither a policy nor an ordinance. Discussion included peer enforcement, enforcement by the Washington County Sheriffs Office and signage. In a 6 to 2 vote, the Parks Commission recommended a ban on the entire park property. The issues listed with using a distance (i.e. 25 feet from children, etc.) included enforcement and clarity to park goers. The option of having an area designated to smoke was also discussed. In a 5 to 3 vote, the Parks Commission recommended that the ban include the entire park system (active and passive parks), rather than only in active parks. In a 4 to 4 vote, the Parks Commission was tied on whether to ban all tobacco use or just smoking. A ban on all tobacco use would include spit tobacco use and smoking. The reasons given for a smoking -only ban include: ■ Role -modeling is not enough of a reason to also ban spit tobacco. ■ Second hand smoke is hazardous to park -goers health, but it is hard to recognize the second-hand effects of spit tobacco. ■ Enforcement of spit tobacco use may be difficult. ■ Regulation of a lifestyle choice is outside the government's role to protect civil liberties. The reasons given for a ban on use of all tobacco products include: ■ Role -modeling is important for youth -prevention. ■ Spit tobacco also produces litter. ■ A total ban is black/white, making it clear to park goers. ■ Role -modeling for all youth trumps the civil liberties of 18% of people. (Percentage of smokers given by McFadden) 3. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION: At their November 15, 2010 meeting, the City Council heard a presentation summarizing discussions and the four votes on the four variations on the regulation. Chair Jim Taylor was present and stated his opinion that all parks should be tobacco free, and the Council discussed whether it needed to be addressed at this time and whether government needed to be regulating life style choices by ordinance. The City Council also discussed that tobacco would be allowed at events in parks through a Special Event Permit. For example, the Hugo Lions Club applies annually for a Special Event Permit for Good Neighbor Days to allow for alcohol to be served, amplified music