HomeMy WebLinkAbout20191003 - Public Safety Committee of Council Recap
Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap
Tobacco 21
October 3, 2019
City Hall Community Room
Members Present: Councilmembers Leifeld, Folch, and Braucks
Staff Present: Interim City Administrator Julie Flaten
Police Chief Bryan Schafer
City Attorney Dan Fluegel
School Resource Officer Ryan Kline
Others Present: Mayor Fasbender
Public Safety Advisory Commissioners: Steve Holmes, Dolores Pemble, Jesse
Starkson, Bryon Ascheman,
ISD Superintendent Tim Collins, High School Principal Mike Johnson
MN Tobacco Free representative Elyse Less
Chair Leifeld called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
Chief Schafer provided an overview of the history of the Tobacco 21 topic and the Public Safety
Commission’s recommendation.
Elyse Less of MN Tobacco Free gave information on the MN 2019 student survey, E-cigarette and
cigarette findings, definition of products and which have FDA approval. She also discussed policy
considerations cities can consider around Tobacco 21, retail sales, flavored tobacco, and penalties.
Statistics on tobacco, especially e-cigarette (vaping) were provided and discussed with input from the
City’s School Resource Officer and school administration. The Public Safety Advisory Commission
provided additional context for their recommendation.
School administration discussed the student survey, which is done every three years, and usefulness of
data, how it’s changed and how school district policies have changed.
Attorney Fluegel discussed the draft model ordinance, additional restriction options, process for
violations of retailers, and notification of current tobacco license holders to any proposed ordinance
changes.
City Council discussed communication to public on issues being discussed, LMC resources, multiple sides
of the issue, impact to local businesses, restricting sale vs. possession, and defining overarching goal.
They also discussed asking the Public Health Law Center to assist with drafting an ordinance.
The Committee unanimously recommended (3-0) scheduling a second meeting to look at policy
considerations and potential ordinance language.
Meeting adjourned at 9:08 a.m.