Agenda - Council - 01/09/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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YOUTH TOBACCO PREVENTION INITIATIVE GRANT By: David Gustafson, Police Chief Background: On December 12, 2000, the City of Ramsey was awarded a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health in the amount of $45,545.10, for the purpose of preventing youth from accessing tobacco products in licensed retail establishments in the City. of Ramsey The terms and conditions of this grant are specified in a written agreement requiring City Council approval. The grant period is January 2, 2001 through June 30, 200I, or until ali obligations set forth in the agreement have been satisfactorily fulfilled, whichever occurs first. The contract requires the Police Department to conduct one compliance check monthly on all tobacco licensees within the City. State Statutes require one chsck yearly, which has been the past practice of the Police Department since enactment of those statutes. The grant covers expenses for wages and materials necessary to fulfill the agreement, which include 'prosecution and court costs (Administrative Hearing included). There are eighteen (18) licensed tobacco retailers in Ramsey, eight of which failed to comply with State Statutes and Ramsey's tobacco ordinance during the compliance check conducted in the year 2000. This is an unacceptable rate of non- compliance and we would work to improve that rate with this grant. Recommendation: Staff recommends entering into the grant agreement for youth tobacco prevention initiative grant for the purpose of preventing youth from accessing tobacco products in licensed retail establishments in the City of Ramsey. Council Action: Motion to adopt Resolution #01-01-XXX authorizing an agreement between the Minnesota Department of Health and the Ramsey Police Department for a Youth TObacco Prevention Initiative Grant. Reviewed by: Police Chief City Administrator City Attorney Finance Officer CC: 01/09/01 -307-