2019.05.28 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 14, 2019 Page 6 of 11 the City of New Brighton as it would support a healthier community and would save lives. Levi Homan, 1399 10th Street NW, explained he started smoking at the age of 14 and noted he quit by using e-cigarettes after watching his grandmother die from COPD. He stated he wished his grandmother had the same opportunity to try and quit when she was younger. He indicated he did not see how banning the sale of flavored tobacco products would change how children gain access to these products. He anticipated that children who want these products would still find a way. He feared that a flavor ban in New Brighton would simply drive business to neighboring communities. He presented the Council with a petition from Midwest Vapers. Sylvia Amos, 1918 Thomas Avenue North in Minneapolis, reported she serves as the Director of Programs at the Stair Step Foundation, which is a faith-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of its members and the broader community. She noted she worked through the African American church because the church continues to be the broadest reaching institution in the African American community. She stated she works with over 100 congregations in the Twin Cities. She commented on how the African American community feels about menthol cigarettes and noted many of her churches were part of the “No Menthol” coalition. She explained her organization has worked tirelessly to pass menthol restrictions in every community in which African Americans reside. She noted menthol tobacco addiction has cost her the life of her mother, her husband and three aunts. She explained the tobacco industry has relentlessly targeted and marketed her community, and her community was suffering from tobacco related diseases because of it. She indicated the tobacco industry was consumed with the pursuit of power and profits, while her community was suffering as a matter of life and death. She recommended profits not be put above lives. She noted all lives really do matter and urged the Council to support the Tobacco 21 Ordinance with a flavor ban. Judy Kozinski, 2830 Forestdale Road, reported she was a family nurse practitioner who worked for HealthPartners. She agreed with the health risks associated with cigarettes and encouraged the City Council to work to keep cigarettes out of the hands of children. She questioned why cigarettes were flavored with menthol to make them more appealing. She commented on the social and emotional costs of smoking related diseases and recommended the City raise the age for tobacco use to 21. She also recommended the City ban flavored tobacco sales in New Brighton for the benefit of the entire community. Ben Betzel, 6150 Briardale Court in Fridley, thanked the smoke free association for working to help young people. He explained he believed this bill was extremely well intentioned, however, it did not make sense to him. He questioned why tobacco sales were occurring in places where minors could be (convenient stores). He recommended that e-liquid and flavored tobacco products be restricted to tobacco only shops. He stated this would keep minors from making a purchase and from being exposed to nicotine products. Gunnar Sophy, Midwest Vapers owner, explained if this ordinance were to pass as written he would be out of business. He commented the argument tonight should not be if tobacco is good or bad, but rather how the City should regulate the sale of these products. He explained these products were already heavily regulated and heavily taxed. He indicated the intention behind the Ordinance was good, but feared the real winner was big tobacco because this would be the only option now in New Brighton stores. He understood the City was responding to pressure based on teen vaping. He reported vaping products were available online and these sales were not occurring at New Brighton shops. He commented on how the flavor restriction would impact his specialty tobacco shop noting he would lose 50% of his profits. He stated menthol cigarettes have been around since 1924 and noted smoking rates were on the decline. He reviewed his bank and sales statements from February with the Council. He then described how the self-service display ban would impact his business. He noted he had a petition with 550 signatures from customers recommending the flavor ban not go into effect. He requested the Council reconsider the proposed Tobacco Ordinance and requested flavored tobacco sales not be banned. Carol Burg, 123 30th Avenue NW, stated she has lived in New Brighton for the past 30 years. She noted she was a former smoker and was the wife of a smoker who was now deceased. She explained she developed COPD, emphysema, and bronchiectasis, which require her to be on life-long expensive medication. She stated she would not wish this on anyone. She urged the Council to take action as many other communities were doing. She recommended flavored tobacco be banned and that the tobacco age be raised to 21. Dean Schowalter, 846 Redwood Lane, stated he and his wife own the New Brighton Shell gas station noting he had a BP across the street in Roseville. He reported if a flavor ban was put in place his customers would