HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/10/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionAlfSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 2, 2017
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg,
Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffinan), City
Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), Communications Manager (Ms.
Larson), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: St. Louis Park Residents
1. Flavored Tobacco
Mr. Hoffman stated that staff requests direction from the council as to whether it wishes to
pursue adoption of the draft ordinance amending the Tobacco Licensing sections of the City
Code to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products in St. Louis Park. Mr. Hoffman also noted
that October 1, 2017, was the day the city's new tobacco ordinance when into effect, raising the
age from 18 to 21 for purchasing all tobacco products-- including flavored tobacco products.
Mr. Hoffman noted that the council has previously discussed the possible regulation of various
flavored tobacco products and has provided direction to staff to investigate and develop a
proposed ordinance prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products by licensed tobacco
establishments within the city. Council also inquired about possibly establishing both a license
category and zoning requirements to restrict where a tobacco -only shop could be located. Mr.
Hoffman noted that requirements could be established, setting a maximum number of tobacco
shop licenses, along with location and other operational regulations for a business license. Staff
from Inspections and Community Development discussed this with the City Attorney and are not
recommending creation of a tobacco -only store category.
Councilmember Miller asked if a tobacco shop could open in the city since there are no
restrictions on retail. Mr. Hoffman stated that a tobacco shop could be licensed as a tobacco
seller, as long as it met all requirements. Councilmember Miller asked if menthol products could
be labeled and packaged to attract children. Mr. Hoffman stated that menthol can be sold, but all
other flavored products would be prohibited.
Councilmember Brausen asked if vape shops are licensed. Mr. Hoffman stated yes, any seller of
tobacco products must be licensed.
Mr. Harmening stated that if council were to pass this ordinance, tobacco -only shops would also
be prohibited from selling flavored tobacco or tobacco products to those under 21, so they would
be under the same restrictions as convenience stores.
Councilmember Mavity stated that she supports the flavored tobacco restriction being part of the
ordinance and would like to move forward with it.
Councilmember Sanger stated that she is very supportive of moving forward and approves of the
draft ordinance. She stated that if the council begins to look at zoning and neighborhoods related
Study Session Minutes -2- October 2, 2017
to the ordinance, it will be a question for the Planning Commission to study further and develop
recommendations.
Councilmember Miller stated that he supports the elimination of the sale of flavored tobacco but
has concerns about the potential of tobacco companies turning allowed flavors into chews. He
stated that he is concerned the ordinance may not go far enough,
Mr. Mattick stated that the city can revisit the issue in the future and ban menthol flavoring,
noting that this is a licensing ordinance, not zoning, so there would be no grandfathering in.
Councilmember Brausen stated that he is supportive of the ordinance as written, adding that it is
a good first step. He stated that he is not inclined to do a zoning change.
Councilmember Lindberg and Mayor Spano agreed with the ordinance as drafted.
Councilmember Lindberg added that he agrees with Councilmember Brausen and is not
interested in discussing zoning regulations at this time.
Councilmember Hallfin added that he, too, is in agreement with the draft ordinance.
Mayor Spano directed staff to move forward.
Mr. Hoffman stated that the first reading and public hearing of the ordinance regarding the
potential to ban the sale of tobacco products will be November 20; the second reading will be in
December; and the ordinance would be effective on May 1, 2018.
Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal)
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Melissa Kennedy, City lerk