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Home My WebLink About20191125 - Public Safety Committee of Council Recap Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap Tobacco 21 November 25, 2019 City Hall Community Room Members Present: Councilmembers Leifeld, Braucks and Folch Staff Present: Police Chief Bryan Schafer Deputy City Clerk Erica Henderson Others Present: Public Safety Advisory Commissioners: Dolores Pemble and Bryon Ascheman MN Tobacco Free representative Elyse Less Gail Conzemius Gary Stevens Chair Leifeld called the meeting to order at 7:35 a.m. Less provided an update to the Committee about the current number of cities with Tobacco 21 ordinances and status of the bill in the Legislature. Chief Schafer explained how tobacco licensed businesses in the City handle tobacco sales to those under the age of 21. He also indicated that one tobacco business owner was against the ordinance. The Committee discussed the proposed ordinance, age restrictions and enforcement, possible additional compliance checks, the efficacy of similar laws in other cities and states, the misconception between smoking and vaping and the lack of public feedback. The Committee also recognized that the City of Hastings was proactive by considering a Tobacco 21 ordinance. Furthermore, by passing the proposed ordinance, this would demonstrate to the State Legislatures that underage smoking is a concern in the City. Gail Conzemius, Nininger Township resident, commented on her experience of working with 18 to 22 year olds and the positive impact the proposed ordinance may have on the community. Dolores Pemble, Public Safety Advisory Commissioner, noted the significance that this would have to State Legislatures if the proposed ordinance passed. Gary Stevens and Less discussed the age requirement. Stevens also remarked about the lack of penalty in the proposed ordinance. Folch motioned to accept the proposed ordinance and to discuss at an upcoming City Council workshop, seconded by Braucks. Ayes 3; Nays 0. Folch left at 8:25 a.m. Chief Schafer indicated that letters would be issued to all tobacco licensees in the City once the date and time of the workshop was established. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.