05-28-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

May 28, 2013 Page 6 of 8 Bond Fund Councilmember Burg agreed stating the recommendation coincided with the City 's financial goals. Motion by Councilmember Burg seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Transfer from the General Fund and Amending the 2013 General Fund Budget for the Transfer. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried 3. Consideration of Ordinance Amending Chapter 15, Article 4 relating to Tobacco. Resolution No. 13 -127. Ordinance No. 817. City Manager Lotter stated this topic was discussed by the Council at a previous work session meeting. He noted Public Safety Director Jacobson and Katie Engman of the Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition were present to discuss this item. Public Safety Director Jacobson explained the Community Development staff was contacted regarding the permitted use of "hookah" lounges. This question led to further discussion amongst Staff and the issue was brought to the Public Safety Commission and Ramsey County. He requested Ms. Engman provide the Council with a definition of "hookah". Katie Engman, Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition, defined "hookah" stating it was the use of a water pipe to smoke tobacco. She explained the water pipe was heated with charcoal and then inhaled through a mouthpiece. The harmful health effects of hookah were reviewed stating it carves the same adverse effects as smoking cigarettes. Hookah use also presented a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning and could create a fire risk. Public Safety Director Jacobson then reviewed State laws regarding smoking indoors, while also reviewing the City's Ordinance. He noted the City adopted a Tobacco -Free Paris Policy, which was implemented in May of 2003. He discussed the age restrictions for tobacco use. Ms. Engman reviewed the regional efforts taking place to address the growing trend of hookah use. She explained the University of Minnesota would be implementing a campus wide smoke -flee policy. She stated over 60% of faculty and students supported this effort She commented the State was proposing a $1.60 increase in the tobacco tax. Public Safety Director Jacobson stated the Public Safety Commission recently reviewed the Tobacco Ordinance as it pertains to " sampling" tobacco indoors. The Commission recommended the Council consider amending and updating the tobacco ordinance by adoption of the Model Tobacco Licensing Ordinance . The Commission reiterated support at their April 2013 meeting for the prohibition of "sampling". Staff recommended the Council amend Section 15 -67 to add smoking prohibited language. Councilmember Samuelson questioned if the language would make it more difficult to smoke in the City of New Brighton. Public Safety Director Jacobson indicated the language would only address the prohibition of smoking indoors at a licensed tobacco product shop. Councilmember Samuelson asked if hookah devices were being prohibited. Public Safety Director Jacobson stated this was not the case. He clarified that the recommendation would not allow hookah devices to be sampled at a licensed tobacco product shop. Councilmember Burg thanked Public Safety Director Jacobson and Ms. Engman for their educational presentation this evening. It was her hope that he public would become greater informed on the dangers on the use of hookah. Motion by Councilmember Burg seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to Approve Ordinance relating to the Sale of Tobacco by Amending New Brighton City Code, Chapter 15, Article 4, by adding new Section 15 -67. 3. Consideration of Ordinance Amending Chapter 15, Article4 relating to Tobacco. Resolution No. 13 -127. OrdinanceNo. 817.