HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-27-2003 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
May 27, 2003
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30
p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on May 27, 2003.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Neset, Black
arrived at 5:50 p.m.), and Bildsoe (arrived at 6:10 p.m.).
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Recreation
Superintendent Evans, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Police Chief Gerdes, and
City Clerk Paulson.
Consideration of Policv for Tobacco Usa¢e on Park Prover
Brittany Meyer, Assistant Program Director for Association for Nonsmokers -Minnesota,
provided a presentation on developing tobacco free policies for recreational facilities
where youth would be present. She stated their association works with communities on
developing tobacco free policies for outdoor recreational facilities. She also displayed
their signage that could be provided to the City if a tobacco free policy was adopted.
Mayor Johnson asked if it is common to have a tobacco free policy for trails. Ms. Meyer
replied she is not aware of any community that has a policy for trails.
A discussion was held on individuals who smoke directly outside of the entrance of a
non-smoking facility, and how that activity is aggravating to non-smokers.
Ms. Meyer stated the City of New Brighton, which has a facility similar to the Plymouth
Creek Center that is rented for private parties, has exempted the grounds/parking lot from
the tobacco free policy.
Mayor Johnson stated she is concerned about not allowing individuals the opportunity to
smoke outside the Plymouth Creek Center. Councihnember Black agreed and stated that
this has become a common practice for smokers.
Councilmember Hewitt stated she would consider adopting some type of policy that
wouldn't be too restrictive. She indicated that she is concerned with the tobacco
pollution as well as littering of cigarette butts, especially in beach areas.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 27, 2003
Page 2 of 3
Mayor Johnson asked if the City's littering ordinance already prohibits the littering of
cigarette butts. Police Chief Gerdes replied that in order to enforce the ordinance, the
police officer must observe the offense.
Councilmember Neset stated he would be willing to support a partial tobacco free usage
policy where youth are present and at the Millennium Garden.
Councilmember Stein asked if there is tobacco usage during adult softball activities. Park
and Recreation Director Blank replied yes.
Mayor Johnson noted that all taxpayers have paid for the park facilities whether they are
smokers or non-smokers.
Councilmember Stein stated he's offended when he has to experience tobacco fumes at a
front entrance of a building where smokers are congregating.
Councilmember Slavik stated she could support a tobacco free policy for youth activities;
however, she is concerned about being too restrictive as smoking is a legal activity.
Motion was made by Councihnember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Neset, to
refer this item to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission (FRAC) for a public
hearing, and following the public hearing, PRAC is to provide a report to the Council
containing options for any tobacco restrictions in regard to City property.
Councilmember Slavik stated the Millennium Garden should be included in the tobacco
free policy, but the Plymouth Creek Center should be excluded for private rentals.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Future Study Sessions
Motion was made by Mayor Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to add
County Road 73 Area and Possible Transit Grant to the June 16 Special Meeting_ agenda.
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 27, 2003
Page 3 of 3
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned X6:29 p.m.
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk