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<br />7.05: Introduce Ordinance #23-15 Tobacco and Cannabis Use Within Public Property and <br />Public Places <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hanson reviewed the Staff report concerning the new cannabis <br />legislation. She shared the recommendation to introduce the ordinance as it pertains to the use of <br />tobacco and cannabis in public places. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated that he supports the cannabis portion of this. He asked if tobacco <br />use has been a big problem in the City. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hanson explained that this is just to regulate the use in public <br />parks or other public places so that if someone is smoking or using tobacco in these areas it could <br />be enforced. <br /> <br />Police Chief Katers stated that there has not been an issue with the adult use tobacco. He added <br />that he thinks the ordinance is a good one as it regulates the use around children. He noted that this <br />would be enforced on a complaint basis. He stated that this is a petty misdemeanor, which is similar <br />to a parking ticket. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht reiterated that he supports the cannabis portion of this and that it is too <br />excessive for tobacco. He suggested a provision talking about events where children may be <br />present. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff asked Councilmember Specht why he has a different opinion on these <br />two substances. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated that he believes that cannabis is a more powerful drug than tobacco <br />and they should try to get ahead of cannabis before it becomes an issue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson stated that he is surprised that there is not currently any legislation for <br />regulating tobacco. He said that there not being a current issue with this does not mean that there <br />shouldn’t be an ordinance in place, as an ordinance just makes something enforceable. He noted <br />that Law Enforcement should have the ability to do something if tobacco use in a public place <br />becomes a problem. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley asked if parks were already smoke-free zones and asked if this is the policy <br />that she was referring to. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hanson confirmed that this is just a policy and is not <br />enforceable. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell stated that she is not a fan of making more rules and regulations in general <br />and she has an issue with this as it would be difficult to regulate chewing tobacco. She added that <br />she is aware that vaping is included and said that if they do move forward with this, then they <br />should clearly spell this out so they are aware of what is included. She also suggested that for any <br />City Council / August 8, 2023 <br />Page 14 of 16 <br /> <br /> <br />