8.3. SR 03-21-2016City of
Elk —
River
Request for Action
To
Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission
8.3
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
General Business
March 21, 2016
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
Reviewed by
Amend Tobacco Free Parks Policy to include
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Electronic Cigarettes
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Recommend, by motion, amending the Tobacco Free Parks Policy to include Electronic Cigarettes.
Background/Discussion
Last October, the City Council adopted an ordinance regulating the use of electronic delivery devices
such as E -cigarettes in the same manner as smoking is prohibited by the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act.
The ordinance prohibits E -cigarettes in indoor public places, such as stores and restaurants, and does not
include parks and athletic fields.
Some of the council discussion prior to the adoption of the current ordinance was whether the park
system should ban E -cigarettes. Currently, the city has a tobacco -free parks system policy that was
adopted on May 17, 2010. Signs that are currently posted in the parks are based on this policy.
Staff researched and found that if electronic cigarettes are added to the current policy, signs could be
provided at no cost by the Association for Nonsmokers Minnesota. The Parks and Recreation
Commission discussed and unanimously approved a draft amended policy at the March 9 Regular
Commission meeting. The draft amended policy was reviewed and approved by City Attorney Peter
Beck.
The enforcement of a Tobacco -Free parks policy is through voluntary compliance.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
Elk River Tobacco Free Parks Draft Amended Policy
Proposed Tobacco Free Property signs
P a w E A E U s r
NaA f RE]
Str-ike"ottghs to be removed
Underlines to be added
City
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Parks and Recreation Tobacco -Free Parks System Policy
1. Guideline Statement
The City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Tobacco -Free Policy is designed to protect the
health, welfare, and safety of our park patrons. Our organization is committed to the quality
of life for all residents, therefore, we believe that:
Tobacco product and electronic cigarette use in the proximity of children, youth and
adults engaging in or watching recreational activities does not promote a positive
healthy lifestyle.
Our organization strives to offer the public park facilities that are clean and family
friendly. Tobacco products consumed in public spaces are often discarded on the
ground, thus posing a risk of ingestion to toddlers and causing a litter problem.
As parents, leaders, coaches, and officials, we are thought of as role models. Use of
tobacco and electronic cigarettes by role models has a negative effect on youth.
2. Policy Statement
The City of Elk River does not allow the use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes
on City -owned park land, recreational facilities, and open space. Open space is defined as
undeveloped park land.
3. Compliance Procedures
The emphasis on enforcing the Tobacco -Free parks and recreation policy is through
voluntary compliance:
Appropriate City -owned park land, recreational facilities, and open space will have
signage posted.
City staff will meet with activity organizations and/or leaders or coaches to discuss
the policy and then distribute flyers with the "Tobacco Free" regulations.
City staff will make periodic observations of activity sites to monitor compliance.
Adopted: May 17. 2010
Amended: March 21, 2016
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Tp8ACC0-FRgE
pROPERTy
Thank you for not using
any form of tobacco or
electronic cigarettes on
this property.
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