CR 10-118 Approve Ban on Use of Tobacco Products within City ParksGITY OF
I*
NOPKINS
October 14, 2010
Council Report 2010-118
Approve Ban on Use of Tobacco Products within City Parks
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move that Council adopt
Resolution 2010-070 a resolution approving new Legislative Policy #5G —
Tobacco Free Parks Policy
Overview:
This new policy is being considered as a way to improve the park experience for
all users, prevent litter, and promote a healthier lifestyle. Tobacco Free Youth
Recreation, an organization consisting of young adult leaders and several
Hopkins Junior High students originally brought the idea before the Park Board.
For the past few months the Park Board has been discussing the new policy, it
was discussed at a May 25, 2010 joint City Council — Park Board meeting, the
Park Board sought public input through a front-page article in the August 2010
Hopkins Highlights and at its Sept 20, 2010 meeting approved the proposed new
policy for City Council consideration. Staff recommends approval.
Primary Issues to Consider.
• Detailed Background
• Other Cities with similar policies
Supporting information.
• Resolution 2010-070
• Proposed Le 'slative Policy #5G
Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Director
Financial Impact: 0 Budgeted: Y/N — Source:
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Notes:
Council Report 2010-118
Page 2
Analysis of Issues
• Detailed Background
At the May 17, 2010 Park Board meeting young adult and Hopkins North Junior
High representatives of an organization called: Tobacco -Free Youth Recreation
brought forward a request that the City consider a new policy that prohibits the
use of tobacco products within City parks. The reasons for the ban include:
removing a negative influence on youth in the parks, reducing cigarette butt litter,
eliminating the negative affects of secondhand smoke and promoting a healthy
lifestyle. The Park Board directed staff to develop a new city policy to prohibit
tobacco use in the parks.
May 25, 2010 Joint City Council — Park Board Meeting: Park Board members
and City staff present proposed new policy and discuss it with City Council
members. Members of the Tobacco Free Youth Recreation organization and
Hopkins North Junior High students attend the meeting and present a petition
signed by residents near the parks and others.
June 21, 2010 Park Board Meeting: After brief discussion, the Park Board
approved with a unanimous vote a proposed new Legislative Policy #5-G
Tobacco Free Parks Policy for City Council consideration.
August 16, 2010 Park Board Meeting: City staff placed a notice in the August
Hopkins Highlights announcing the City's intention to adopt a new policy that
bans tobacco use in the parks. The notice states that residents should attend the
Sept 20 Park Board meeting to ask questions, provide comments.
Sept 20 Park Board meeting: One resident spoke in favor of the proposed ban.
The Board unanimously approves the proposed new legislative policy for City
Council consideration.
• Other Cities with similar policies
Staff is aware of the following cities who have adopted similar policies:
Edina, Eden Prairie, Golden Valley and Plymouth
U
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-070
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A TOBACCO FREE PARKS POLICY —
LEGISLATIVE POLICY #5G
WHEREAS, The City of Hopkins is committed to improving the quality of life for all
residents, and;
WHEREAS, tobacco product use in the proximity of children, youth and adults engaging
in or watching recreational activities is unhealthy and detrimental to the health of others,
and;
WHEREAS, tobacco products once consumed in public spaces are often discarded on
the ground, thus posing a risk of ingestion to toddlers and causing a litter problem, and;
WHEREAS, parents, leaders, coaches, and officials are thought of as role models, and
the use of tobacco products around youth has a negative effect on their lifestyle
choices;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hopkins City Council adopts new
legislative policy #5G which creates a tobacco -free policy for all City parks and
recreation areas.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Hopkins, Minnesota, this 19th Day of
October, 2010.
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
ATTEST:
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
POLICY #5-G
Tobacco -Free Parks Policy
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of this policy is to set forth the rules and enforcement for banning the use of
tobacco products in City parks and park facilities, thus creating a safer, more enjoyable
environment for all park users.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.01 Tobacco products mean cigarettes, cigars, pipes, plus smokeless forms including dipping
tobacco and snuff.
2.02 Designated parking area means a marked parking stall or a city -designated and signed
temporary parking area or parking along a street where on -street parking is allowed.
3. REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES
3.01 No person may use tobacco prgducts on city -owned parkland, park facilities, recreational
or open spaces, except within the confines of a vehicle in a designated parking area.
3.02 Compliance and enforcement procedures
(1) the emphasis in enforcing this policy is through voluntary compliance
(2) appropriate city -owned parkland, park facilities and open spaces will be signed
(3) City staff will provide information regarding this policy to Hopkins -Minnetonka
Recreation staff and sports league leaders and coaches
Legislative Policy Manual Established