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<br /> <br />public officials had to look out for the best interests of all people in the communit y, especially those who were <br />most vulnerable. He asked if there were any State-wide efforts to address the sale of flavored tobacco. Ms. <br />Anderson reported there were efforts to introduce a State law that would end the sale of all flavored <br />commercial tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen stated he appreciated the fact New Brighton supported the Tobacco 21 ordinance. He <br />explained he supported the City addressing how tobacco products were being advertised within the <br />community. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth explained tobacco use was an adult choice, just like alcohol and gambling. She <br />indicated she supported the City having a cap on the number of tobacco licenses. She reported she liked the <br />attrition model. She stated she really appreciated this informative presentation and all of the data that was <br />presented. She then excused herself from the meeting at 6:20 p.m. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Anderson for her presentation. <br /> <br />Sports Field/Signage Policy Draft <br /> <br />Massopust stated Director Fink would be reviewing this draft policy with the Council. <br /> <br />Distad explained the Irondale Baseball League approached the City, inquiring about placing sponsorship <br />banners on the outfield fences of City of New Brighton ballfields. The Department does not currently have a <br />field signage/sponsorship policy. The purpose of the proposed policy is to allow organizations the opportunity <br />to include signage in their sponsorship packages as long as signage guidelines in the policy are followed. Staff <br />recommends discussion and feedback on the policy. It was noted the policy will be brought to the February 14 <br />City Council meeting for consideration pending any recommended changes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg questioned who would receive the money for the proposed signs. Fink explained if <br />the policy were approved by th e City Council, staff would work with the baseball association and all monies <br />for the outfield signs would go to the Irondale Baseball League. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg inquired how the City would regulate what organization can benefit from the sign <br />revenue, if numerous organizations were to approach the City, and where the signs would be located. Fink <br />reported the City would be allowed to choose where the signs go and if the City had another organization <br />approach them requesting signs, the funding would have to be split. She commented further on how staff can <br />work with future organizations and noted this policy could be amended in the future if need be. She discussed <br />how this policy would assist in growing relationships with the communities local sports organizations. <br /> <br />Fink explained that some communities do not have a sign policy in place, but rather have handshake <br />agreements with the different sports organizations in their community. She believed it would be in the City’s <br />best interest to have a policy in place. She provided further comment on the proposed policy noting the City <br />would have the final approval for all advertising. <br /> <br />Distad reviewed the ballfield locations that would be able to host signage, which included Freedom, Hansen, <br />Lions, Sunny Square, Totem Pole and Veterans Park. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas recommended that the sports organization be responsible for any damage that is <br />caused to the City’s fence. She suggested an intention or philosophy be written into the policy that speaks to <br />how the City wants youth sports in New Brighton to grow or that the City was working to grow its <br />relationships with local youth organizations. She understood that teams needed money, but she questioned