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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 25, 2019 8 <br /> Cap O'Rourke, representative for retailers and manufacturers, requested clarification on how <br /> sampling was viewed in the Ordinance. He requested Subdivision 11 be removed as this would <br /> prohibit stores from fixing e-cigarette devices within their stores. He stated according to the <br /> American Cancer Society many adults believe erroneously that electronic nicotine delivery <br /> devices are as harmful as combustible tobacco products and the level of public understanding has <br /> deteriorated over time. In 2012 only 11'/2% of respondents had this view and by 2015, 35.7% of <br /> respondents mistakenly believe that harm associated with electronic nicotine delivery devices was <br /> about the same as smoking conventional cigarettes. He reported here is what the facts were: in <br /> Minnesota adults looking to quit smoking cigarettes use vapor products more than any other <br /> product. Also, oversees in England, where there are more restrictions in place, they are <br /> prescribing e-cigarettes for those looking to quit. He also knows the Royal College of Physicians, <br /> which was the first group to come out against smoking has deemed e-cigarettes are at least 95% <br /> less harmful. He stated he also knew that the Georgetown Public Health Institute released a study <br /> last year stating if everyone switched to vaping, at the worst 1.6 million premature lives would be <br /> saved and at the most optimistic as many as 6.6 million lives. He also knew that the New England <br /> Journal of Medicine states vaping products were shown to be twice as likely to help adults quit <br /> than regular nicotine therapy devices. He commented the FDA recently had a proposal to limit <br /> flavors in convenience stores but would still allow them in adult only stores. He explained this <br /> was because the FDA recognizes flavors were key in helping adults who have been smoking, <br /> make a transition and get off cigarettes. He commented further on the process that was followed <br /> by retailers to assist adults in getting of cigarettes. He stated by prohibiting flavors in all Arden <br /> Hills stores, the leading option that was assisting with getting adults off cigarettes would no <br /> longer be available. He recommended the City Council amend their Ordinance to allow flavored <br /> tobacco sales at adult only stores. <br /> Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:42 p.m. <br /> 10. NEW BUSINESS <br /> A. Resolution 2019-010 Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments <br /> for Delinquent Utilities <br /> Finance Director Bauman stated delinquent utility amounts are certified to Ramsey County <br /> quarterly. A list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices were <br /> mailed. Customers were informed of their delinquent status and asked to make payment of the <br /> delinquent balance by March 20, 2019. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance after <br /> March 20, 2019 would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in <br /> 2020. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent <br /> penalty. The City will request that Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the <br /> respective properties. <br /> MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a <br /> motion to adopt Resolution #2019-010 — Adopting and Confirming Quarterly <br /> Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities to Ramsey County. <br /> Councilmember Holden noted for the record that the 10 residents that were having problems <br /> with their meter were not being certified at this time. <br />