2011-03-02 P R Minutes Approved - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-02-11 support this proposal and continued research to determine the projects feasibility. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. Music in the Parks th Mr. Lee has committed to the August 16 date either solo or with his band. He suggests budgeting $300, if he plays solo he will perform for free with an ice cream social, but his band will require some funds and he does not have an answer at this time as to whether or not they will play. He was not however, th . able to secure one of the 3 teen bands he has worked with, so the committee has an opening for July 26 With the schedule of BBB Jazz Combo, Rusty's Rocking Jamboree, BBB Jazz Orchestra, Tom Lee, 7 th Cats Swing and an Ice Cream Social the budget would be$1850 without a band for the July 26 spot. If another band is also paid $350, that would mean raising the budget from $1500 to $2200 using $700 from the YMCA line item. th The two options for the July 26 spot, if they are available, would be Mean Gene & the Woodticks or The Maple Street Ramblers. Information on both bands was provided to the committee in the meeting agenda packet. The consensus of the committee was to have Ms. Stephan contact the bands in the above order to inquire as to their interest and availability. Ms. Stephan will research what other cities do for a rain policy and options for a band contract. Tobacco in Parks Policy (Grahek) Vice-Chairperson Grahek supplied the committee with information he had researched on tobacco policies within cities, counties and state parks. All Anoka County parks have been tobacco free since 2005. There are a number of cities that have adopted similar policies, most recently Blaine, with exemptions for special events such as street dances or summer festivals held within the parks. Vice-Chairperson Grahek is in support of Tobacco Free Parks and stated studies show most of these policies are youth-driven and supported by the general public. This item was discussed at length. Both Committee Member Haiden and Committee Member Peterson do not feel it is the committee’s, the City’s or government’s place to limit whether people can smoke outside in open spaces. Committee Member Haiden feels most smokers are polite and he hasn’t seen any problems at parks; he does not think government should encroach any more on people’s private lives, even if in a public park, he does not think we should be involved. Some members would be willing to go to a tobacco free zone area, such as a given amount of space around sporting events, but do not support entire parks being tobacco free. Committee Member Seeley stated the point is adults who smoke show a poor example to kids and would vote that all public spaces be tobacco free. Committee Member Peterson felt it is not the committee’s job to teach kids not to smoke; it is not Park & Recreation’s responsibility to control smoking. It was questioned how this would be enforced. People currently have the right to ask people not to smoke around them if they find it offensive or they can move. Vice-Chairperson Grahek said with a policy in force it would be a taggable offense and it would be enforceable by the general public. Committee Member Amundsen was undecided on a tobacco free policy for the park, but would consider a smoke free zone. Motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Grahek, seconded by Committee Member Seeley to recommend to City Council that all City owned parks become tobacco free, following the lead of hundreds of other municipalities. Vice Chairperson Grahek asked for a roll call vote, Grahek – 3 of 6