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<br />e <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING <br />APRIL 26, 2005 <br /> <br />Page 6 of 10 <br /> <br />and business owners in the City of Arden Hills, that she would also like to include. She <br />referenced a letter she received from an organization called The Friends. She explained that this <br />group works to establish and improve park areas, open spaces and trails. She stated that The <br />Friends recently passed a resolution prohibiting tobacco use in public parks and public areas and <br />is urging Arden Hills to support this effort and implement a ban on tobacco use from all parks <br />and public facilities. She provided the Committee with copies of letters and petitions for their <br />review. <br /> <br />Ms. Holm asked how the City would go about enforcing a ban. She suggested utilizing resources <br />like the City website, the Arden Hills newspaper, City Cable Channel and Mounds View High <br />School. She indicated that they have received strong support from the smoke-free restaurants <br />noting that they would receive 100 free signs to post in the parks and public areas. She stated <br />that the PACT members would be willing to help install the signs if the policy is passed. She <br />noted that the P ACT group passed a tobacco-free sports policy this year stating that since <br />Mounds View Sports is now tobacco-free, it would be nice if the parks around school were too. <br /> <br />Ms. Florey stated that they are asking the Committee for their support in recommending to the <br />City Council that thcy vote in favor of a tobacco-free policy for the parks and public facilities in <br />Arden Hills. She stated that they all feel very strongly about this policy adding that the tobacco <br />use in the parks takes away their right to enjoy the parks. She stated that they have a vision and <br />want their City and the surrounding Cities to be completely smoke-free and the Parks Committee <br />and the City Council are the ones that can help make their vision happen. <br /> <br />Committee Member McClung stated that it is quite impressive that Mounds View as a school and <br />sports team have now included tobacco products as part of their chemical free policy. <br /> <br />Lia Reich, Counselor at Mounds View and PACT Counselor stated that she would like to thank <br />the Parks Committee for taking the time to hear what the girls had to say. She stated that they <br />would appreciate the support of the Parks Committee in implementing a smoke free policy for <br />the parks and public facilities noting that the schools have implemented a smoke free policy that <br />applies at all school functions both on school premise and off site. <br /> <br />Committee Member Bauman asked if the Committee provides support on issues like this and <br />would they pass a recommendation on to Council. He asked who would be responsible for <br />installing the signage and enforcing the policy. Mr. Moore explained that the City Council <br />approves the installation of all signage in the City. He further explained that if the Committee <br />were to recommend and support this request for a smoke free policy it would then go to Council <br />for consideration. He stated that signage requires a resolution and City Staff would be <br />responsible for the installation. <br /> <br />Committee Member Crassweller commended the girls stating that they provided the Committee <br />with a fantastic presentation of all of their concerns and issues. He stated that he is one of the <br />strongest anti-smokers around noting that he has lost family members to smoke related diseases <br />and with that, he would have to vote against any motion to recommend this type of policy. He <br />