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City Council Study Session - 08/16/04 Minutes - Page 9 Ann Berry, 1059 Woodhill Drive Ms. Berry spoke in support of a non-smoking ban in restaurants and public places. There was no further public comment and Mayor Klausing closed public con1ll1ent related to this item. Councilmember Ihlan spoke to the issue of the content and intent of the ordinance (ban) being considered by Ramsey County; its impacts; and comparisons of and a review of provisions in ordinances already enacted by various cities (i.e., Bloomington and Minneapolis). Discussion included work environment regulations and impacts; State Statute versus municipal action and potential for challenges. Councilmember Schroeder opined that this proposal needed to be a regional discussion, and that discussion on a municipal level was extremely premature. Councilmember Schroeder further opined that there were substantive and equally compelling arguments on both sides of the spectrulu to support either banning or not banning smoking in public places. Councilmember Schroeder suggested that Ramsey County Commissioner Wiessner personally schedule neighborhood meetings to glean public comment prior to Ramsey County Board discussion and consideration. Councilmember Kough opined that, while it was the City Council's responsibility to look into public safety issues, he concurred with Councilmeluber Schroeder's COluments regarding a county-wide or state-wide discussion. Counciln1ember Kough encouraged discussion with business owners (i.e., bars) to determine impacts of such a smoking ban ordinance. Mayor Klausing recognized Councilmember Ihlan' s concerns regarding hazards of second-hand smoke, primarily related to workplace safety issues, but opined that it seemed more appropriate to attempt regulation on a state-wide level to avoid a patchwork approach. Mayor Klausing concurred with previous con1ffient that Ramsey County look at a more state-wide or