HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-08 PACKET 07.A.(= Memo
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From: Molly Pietruszewski
Date: August 8, 2012
Re: Response to Tobacco Policy questions.
The Tobacco Free Policy proposed by the Recreation Department was approved by the
Environmental Commission on November 9, 2011 and the Parks Commission on
November 14, 2011. However, when presented to City Council for approval on
February 15, 2012 they did not approve the policy. June 11, 2012 the policy came back
to the Parks Commission for review. Not all commission members were present to
discuss the concerns; therefore decided to table the discussion until future date.
Below is a list of their concerns /recommendations to be addressed before bringing a
proposed policy to Council as an item for approval.
• Is there a way to create more of an awareness /guidelines and not a policy?
All 150 cities and counties in Minnesota that have made their parks tobacco -free
have done so either through policy or ordinance. Of course, it's up to each
community to choose what is best for their own structure and residents, but in
TFYR's experience, a policy or ordinance is the clearest, most succinct way to
communicate the tobacco -free parks message to the community.
Can the policy:
o be applicable to specific locations on the park grounds /certain
parks?
■ Yes. A number of communities have opted to adopt policies that
include only specific park amenities, or, similarly, exclude certain
amenities. Rarely do cities make policies that go park -by -park but
rather, lump amenities together (ball fields, playgrounds, water
parks, etc.) and either include or exclude what they see fitting.
o exclude adult events?
■ Yes. Though, excluding or including specific physical locations,
rather than events in time, is more common. With that said, some
communities have chosen to exempt specific events, rather than all
"adult" events. The City of New Hope, for example, leaves it to staff
discretion to exempt certain events, such as their annual summer
community event (see New Hope policy attached).
o be in effect only in the presence of children
■ Yes. These types of policies were more common in the early 2000s
when communities were still trying to figure out which type of policy
worked best. As more communities have adopted tobacco -free
parks policies, the trend is moving towards comprehensive policies,
rather than "youth focused" policies. The City of Crystal adopted a
policy that both makes certain amenities tobacco free as well as
makes city- sponsored youth events tobacco free (see City of
Crystal policy attached).
o allow for conditional use permit for special events
■ Yes. Some communities have opted to require groups using the
parks for special events to submit an application for a permit to be
exempted from the policy. The City of Hanover has such a policy
(see Hanover policy attached)
• What is the policy of the CGAA?
• CGAA does not have a formal policy regarding fans /parents in place, but
does not allow tobacco during tournaments when the signs are posted.
• Tobacco use is not permitted by players or coaches and will result in a two
game suspension.
Signage
• Not sure that we want more signage in the parks.
■ With a careful sign placement assessment, cities can place signage
in the fewest, but most likely to be viewed locations.
• Where would the signs go and what would they cost?
■ For any Minnesota community that adopts a tobacco -free parks
policy or ordinance, signage is free. TFYR is happy to assist the
city in determining appropriate locations for signage via a sign
placement assessment.
• A sign for a policy is misleading — people will assume there is a rule
or consequence behind it.
■ Most cities that opt to adopt a tobacco -free parks policy then
communicate that policy via several channels such as the city
website, the park and rec brochure and the city newsletter in
additional to the signage. This helps clarify for residents the intent
of the policy.
• Verbiage options for the sign from TFYR
• "on park property"
• "when youth are present"
• "during everts" Youth Activities"
o We also have temporary "tobacco -free event" signs
• "welcome to our tobacco free eves Parks"
• cities have the option to print their own signs, at cost