HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/06/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session ((CITY OF
OOTS OFFICIAL MINUTES
K CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
June 9, 2003
The meeting convened at 7.00 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers John Basil!, Jim Bnmeyer, Paul Omodt, Susan
Sanger, Sally Velick and Mayor Jeff Jacobs
Staff present: City Manager(Mr Meyer), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), and City Clerk
(Ms. Reichert). .
1. Smoking Task Force Recommendation
Mr. Hoffman gave an overview of the efforts that had been made to inform the public about the
proposed recommendation. He reported that there had been a low response rate with the
comment cards that were send out as well as very low attendance to the public meetings despite
their advertisements
Mayor Jeff Jacobs arrived at 7 05 p m
Mr Hoffman displayed the draft signage He gave Council an estimate of the staff time and cost
to operate the program as well as the expenditures involved for labs and equipment. He added
that education opportunities would need to be offered for restaurant employees as well as the
public patronizing the restaurants Mayor Jacobs would like to see the signs made bigger. He
suggested that an award be given to those establishments that did not allow smoking.
Councilmember Velick inquired if the non-smoking sections of establishments would be
monitored as well and Mr Hoffman replied that they would.
Councilmember Sanger was not in favor of the ordinance, but if it was passed, on-going studies
of the results of the program would need to be done. She suggested that an independent
researcher from the University's Medical Public Health School be contacted, as any study should
have academic credibility She had concerns about the cost of the program She stated that she
would prefer no ordinance at all be passed rather than passing this ordinance which she felt was
inadequate She stated she would not support the ordinance Councilmember Sanger provided
an example of a larger sign which clearly states that second-hand smoke is a health hazard and
suggested that this type of sign be mandatory, and Council agreed
Councilmember Omodt commended the work of the committee though he felt that disclosing the
level of secondhand smoke would not capture the attention of the public when they visit
establishments
Councilmember Brimeyer stated that the proposal was slightly flawed but it was better than
banning smoking in establishments. He felt there was a two-fold purpose for the ordinance, to
point out the danger of secondhand smoke while not harming the business community. He felt
that the proposal would work to accomplish both goals Mayor Jacobs agreed that he would not
support a smoking ban and felt that the conclusion they had arrived at could prove useful for
research purposes. Councilmember Brimeyer would like to move forward with the ordinance.
Study Session Minutes -2- June 9, 2003
Councilmember Sanger would like to see an on-going study set up to monitor what effect the
ordinance has on the behavior of restaurant patrons. Mr. Hoffman stated that if some restaurants
become smoke free, it will ensure that a difference was made with their approach to secondhand
smoke. He explained that if comparisons are made of the current number of smoking restaurants
versus what may happen as a result of this ordinance, it may in the future indicate that more
restaurants have gone smoke free because they have the knowledge that they can go smoke free
without harming their business.
Councilmember Brimeyer commented that the objective of the task force was to reduce
secondhand smoke and this plan will work towards that goal.
Councilmember Basill thinks that the disclosure will help restaurant owners to make a better
decision.
Councilmember Santa felt that the ordinance proposal respects the residents' intelligence and
freedom to choose where they visit.
Councilmember Omodt was concerned that the city may be providing a false sense of secunty.
Councilmember Velick stated her respect for the task force and their recommendation and felt
that with the ordinance in place residents could make an informed choice about where they visit.
She voiced her support for the ordinance.
Mayor Jacobs agreed.
Councilmember Bnmeyer again stated that the ordinance may also pave the way to more smoke
free establishments.
Mr. Hoffman stated that he will present the signs to the council again before a public hearing is
held.
Councilmember Santa wanted to see statistics kept on the results. Councilmember Bnmeyer
would like to see this ordinance added to the community survey process.
2. Budget
Mr. Meyer updated the Council on the recent Local Government Aid developments Council
discussed the issue and decided to reinstate clerical help for City Hall, a fire position,
contributions to the STEP program, mediation funding, sidewalk and curb and gutter repairs, and
alley improvements Council discussed implementing a street light utility fee as well as doing a
modest employee wage increase Council felt that a street light utility fee should be brought
back for further discussion.
3. Carry and Conceal Gun Control
Council discussed the possibility of passing a resolution or ordinance prohibiting guns within the
city limits. Staff referred to the ordinances passed in Duluth, St. Cloud and Hennepin County
and suggested that the city attorney look at the issue. Council would like more discussion on the
item at a future meeting
Study Session Minutes -3- June 9, 2003
4. Skating
Councilmember Omodt raised the issue of kids skate boarding at the Senior High. He asked
what enforcement efforts were being undertaken by the Police Department. Following
discussion, Council agreed that the addition of the new skate park may relieve the situation at the
Senior High.
5. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
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