HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.k. Tobacco Free Parks PolicyAGENDA ITEM: Tobacco Free Parks Policy
AGENDA SECTION:
Consent
PREPARED BY: Dan Schultz, Parks and Recreation
Director
AGENDA NO f •U
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution Adopting a Tobacco Free
Parks Policy and Proposed Policy
APPROVED BY:
p
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to approve the attached Resolution Adopting a
Tobacco Free Parks Policy.
4 ROSEMOUNT
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Regular Meeting: December 16, 2008
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ISSUE
At the November 14, 2008 City Council work session discussed a proposed policy that would eliminate or
restrict the use of tobacco in City owned parks. Staff presented policies form other metro cities and
provided a map identifying over 108 cities and counties that have a policy or ordinance that restricts the
use of tobacco. As with many of the policies in place in other cities, staff proposed a policy that would be
enforced through voluntary compliance. If the policy is approved, the City would receive signs from
Dakota County's Department of Public Health to post in our parks. Staff would also communicate with
regular park users and the general public to update them on the policy.
Following the discussion held at the work session, the City Council directed staff to move forward and
bring back a policy for the City Council to consider for approval.
BACKGROUND
Staff from the Dakota County Public Health Department have been working with students from
Rosemount High School regarding tobacco use in our community. One of the areas being discussed by the
group is the use of tobacco in City parks. On behalf of students from RHS, staff from Dakota County
Department of Public Health asked to present information to the Parks and Recreation Commission
regarding tobacco use and the idea of a tobacco -free policy for Rosemount's city parks.
The Parks and Recreation Commission received information regarding policies in other communities and
discussed this item at length. The Commission did recommend the City Council consider adopting a
policy that would prohibit the use of the tobacco in City parks.
Complaints about people smoking or using tobacco in City parks are very rare. Staff can only remember
one such compliant in the last 5 years. It is also rare to see someone smoking at youth sporting events or
at City sponsored youth activities. It is fairly normal to see some adults smoking at facilities where we
coordinate adult softball leagues or special events such as Leprechaun Days.
SUMMARY
The attached tobacco free policy has been reviewed by the City Attorney. Staff is recommending the City
Council approve the attached resolution adopting a tobacco free parks policy.
1. EST:
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2008
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
TOBACCO FREE PARKS POLICY
WHEREAS, On Monday, April 25, 2008 the Dakota County Public Health Department along with
Students from Rosemount Senior High School made a presentation to the Rosemount Parks and
Recreation Commission requesting the City of Rosemount adopt a Tobacco Free Parks Policy for all
City Parks; and
WHEREAS, On Monday, July 28, 2008 the Rosemount Parks and Recreation Commission
recommended the Rosemount City Council consider adopting a Tobacco Free Parks Policy; and
WHEREAS, Tobacco use in the proximity of others engaging in or watching recreational activities
is detrimental to their health; and
WHEREAS, When consumed in public places, tobacco products are often discarded on the
ground, posing a risk of ingestion to young children and animals, and causing litter problems
requiring additional maintenance expense; and
WHEREAS, Parents, coaches and other adult leaders serve as role models, and their use of tobacco
has a negative effect on the lifestyle choices made by youth; and
WHEREAS, Parks should provide a healthy environment for children and families and this cannot
be achieved with unrestricted tobacco use.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Rosemount that
it adopts the attached Tobacco Free Parks Policy.
ADOPTED this 16th of December, 2008 by the City Council of the City of Rosemount.
William Droste, Mayor
Motion by: Second by:
Voted in favor:
Voted against:
Member(s) absent:
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
POLICY TITLE: TOBACCO -FREE PARK POLICY
PROPOSED BY: PARKS RECREATION DEPARTMENT
DATE APPROVED
BY COUNCIL: DECEMBER 16, 2008
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to limit the use of tobacco products in City owned parks.
Tobacco use in the proximity of others is detrimental to their health and limiting of tobacco use at
the City's recreational facilities serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of all the citizens of
Rosemount.
Once consumed in public places, tobacco products are often discarded on the ground, posing a risk
of ingestion to young children and animals, and causing litter problems requiring additional
maintenance expense.
Parents, coaches and other adult leaders serve as role models, and their use of tobacco has a negative
effect on the lifestyle choices made by youth.
POLICY
All areas surrounding organized youth activities in City owned parks are to remain tobacco free
while youth are present.
COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
The Tobacco -Free Policy will be enforced through voluntary compliance:
In order to most effectively educate the community about this policy and encourage compliance,
appropriate signs will be posted in designated areas of city-owned parkland
The community, especially regular user groups of park and recreation facilities, will be notified about
the policy through various communication channels.