HRA 10-014 Approval of Hopkins HRA Smoke Free Policy at Dow Towers•
City of Hopkins
December 02, 2010 HRA Report 2010-14
APPROVAL OF HOPHINS HRA SMOKE FREE POLICY AT DOW TOWERS
Proposed Action
Staff recommends approval of the following motion: Adopt Resolution 472, authorizing
gpproval and implementation of the Smoke Free Policy at Dow Towers.
Overview
Each year we review the policies for HRA and determine which may need further
consideration. Last year a notice from the U.S. Department Housing and Urban
Development was sent that strongly encouraged HRAs that operate public housing to
implement non-smoking policies in their buildings.
Over the past six months the HRA staff has conducted two resident surveys, held one
educational meeting, written numerous newsletter articles and answered individual
questions in consideration of a Smoke Free policy at Dow Towers. In addition, two
• Council work sessions were conducted in July and October to continue to explore the
issue.
The HRA has followed the various steps required to change building rules or resident
policies. We have the tools and plans in place to move forward with the full
implementation date of June 1, 2010.
Supporting Documentation
• Hopkins HRA Smoke Free Building Policy
• Resolution 472
Summary of Changes
• Implementation of Smoke Free Policy building -wide June 1, 2011
• New Residents will sign addendum January 1, 2011
• Current Residents will be offered cessation classes and individual outreach
• Current Residents will sign addendum by April 1, 2011, or at lease renewal
• Stacy Uno sky, Public Housing Manager
• HRA Report 2010-14 - Page 2
Have written comments been received regarding the plan?
Public comments in the form of questions from tenants at informational meetings have
been received. Most of the questions received were directly related to questions/requests
for further explanation of the proposed policies. These questions were responded to
verbally at the meeting. In addition, all changes in the policies were discussed at length
and the proposed policy has been on our building bulletin board for 45 days.
The thirty -day continent period resulted in two written responses. One writer was in favor
of the change on one was opposed.
Alternatives
The HRA Board of Commissioners has the following alternatives available for
addressing this issue:
• Adopt Resolution and approve the new Smoke Free Policy at Dow Towers.
• Continue for additional infonnation.
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Liue Smoke Free
www. mnsmokefreeho using.org
Smoke -Free Policy
for
Hopkins Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building, including apartments, in accordance
with the following guideline. Effective on June 1, 2011, all current residents, all
employees, all guests, and all new residents of Dow Towers after this date will be
prohibited from smoking anywhere in the building, including in apartment units. [Any
new resident as of [January 1, 20111 must sign and date two (2) copies of the smoking
addendum indicating they will NOT smoke in their apartment. One copy should be
returned to the Housing Authority office for placement in resident's file.
Any deviation from the smoke-free policy by any tenant, a member of their
household, or their guest will be considered a lease violation. Three (3) violations
will result in eviction.
2. "No Smoking" signs will be posted outside and inside the building.
Smoking outside the building is limited to the following area(s), if any: a new area
will be constructed at the sound end of the building. This area is next to the visitor
parking lot that Dow Towers shares with Sonoma.
4. If a resident smells tobacco smoke in any place in the building, they are to report
this to the office as soon as possible. Management will seek the source of the
smoke and take appropriate action.
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Effective January 1, 2011, for the health and safety of the Hopkins Housing &
Redevelopment Authority employees and their representatives, no resident shall
have any type of tobacco or related product burning at such time as any employee
or representative of the Hopkins Housing & Redevelopment Authority enters and
remains in your apartment unit. If any resident refuses to put out the burning
tobacco or related product prior to the employee or representative entering the
apartment, or if the resident lights a tobacco or related product while an employee
or representative remains in the apartment, the employee or representative shall
vacate your apartment immediately and shall not return until such time as there is
no longer any tobacco or related product burning. This may result in a delay of
services in your apartment.
6. New residents will be given two (2) copies of the smoke-free policy. After review,
the tenant will sign both copies and return one to the Hopkins Housing &
Redevelopment Authority's office. The copy will be in the resident's file.
7. Current residents will sign a Smoke Free Addendum on or before their lease renewal
on April 1, 2011.
8. Upon adoption of this policy, all residents presently living in Dow Towers will be
given two copies of the policy. After review, the resident will sign both copies and
return one to the Hopkins Housing & Redevelopment Authority's office for
placement in the resident's file.
RESIDENT CERTIFICATION
I have read and understand the above smoke-free policy and I agree to comply fully with
the provisions of the policy. I understand that failure to comply may constitute reason
for termination of my lease.
Resident Signature:
Apartment Number:
Date:
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
IN AND FOR THE CITY OF HOPKINS
Hennepin County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 472
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SMOKE FREE POLICY AT DOW TOWERS
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority In and For the City of
Hopkins, Minnesota, (the "Authority") operates a Low Rent Public Housing Program;
and
WHEREAS, the Authority, has been provided strong encouragement by the
Housing and Urban Development to adopt a Smoke Free Building Policy; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has prepared the Smoke Free Policy and followed the
various steps required by HUD to change building polices; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Authority Board of
Commissioners hereby authorizes the full implementation of the Smoke Free Policy at
Dow Towers effective June 01, 2011.
Adopted this 7th day of December 2010.
Chair
ATTEST:
Executive Director