CCP 07-10-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Safety Commission April 30, 2012 Attending: Commissioner Allen, Commissioner Benke, Commissioner Bredenbeck, Commissioner Donohue, Commissioner Kocon, Commissioner Kroll, Commissioner Lamp, Commissioner Schumann, Council Member Samuelson, Director Jacobson, Ms. Katie Engman(Ramsey Tobacco Coalition Program Director), and City Attorney Charlie LeFevere Absent: Commissioner Hollimon Call to Order/Roll Call Commissioner Allen called the April meeting to order at 6:35 pm and roll call was taken. March Meeting Minutes The March meeting minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Benke noted one correction that will be made. Commissioner Bredenbeck motioned to accept the minutes; Commissioner Benke seconded. Motion carried. Public Hearing/Presentations A. Review of Tobacco Ordinance Director Jacobson noted this request started with the City Manager who requested that the Public Safety Commission to review the Tobacco Ordinance as it pertains to tobacco sampling. Ms. Katie Engman, Ramsey Tobacco Coalition Program Director, introduced herself and gave a brief background on what she does and a brief background of North Suburban Tobacco Compliance Project. Ms. Engman reported the State updated the tobacco definitions in 2010 to address new tobacco products that are now on the market. Ms. Engman brought examples of some of the new tobacco products that do not"smoke"but keep a person using tobacco products. These new tobacco products are reportedly appealing to underage persons. Next, Ms. Engman reviewed the Model Tobacco Licensing Ordinance created in cooperation with the League of Minnesota Cities. This model ordinance prohibits the sale of"Loosies" which is the sale of single cigarettes. The provisional piece regarding tobacco sampling was originally intended for the sampling of high-end cigars; however, Ms. Engman stated she believes this is how hookah lounges are getting around the tobacco ordinance. Ms. Engman reviewed a hookah handout; she explained what a hookah is and how it works. City Attorney Charlie LeFevere inquired what cities have adopted this model ordinance "as is" and what cities have adopted this model ordinance with exemptions. Ms. Engman noted White Bear Lake Township adopted this model ordinance "as is" and listed numerous other cities who have adopted this model ordinance with exemptions.