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05-03-2005 City Council Study Session PacketCity of Grand Island Tuesday, May 03, 2005 Study Session Packet City Council:Mayor: Jay Vavricek City Administrator: Gary Greer City Clerk: RaNae Edwards T u 7:00:00 PM Council Chambers - City Hall 100 East First Street Carole Cornelius Peg Gilbert Joyce Haase Margaret Hornady Robert Meyer Mitchell Nickerson Don Pauly Jackie Pielstick Scott Walker Fred Whitesides City of Grand Island City Council Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call A - SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE ITEMS Individuals who have appropriate items for City Council consideration should complete the Request for Future Agenda Items form located at the Information Booth. If the issue can be handled administratively without Council action, notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a meeting or study session, notification of the date will be given. B - RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS This is an opportunity for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items to reserve time to speak. Please come forward, state your name and address, and the Agenda topic on which you will be speaking. MAYOR COMMUNICATION This is an opportunity for the Mayor to comment on current events, activities, and issues of interest to the community. City of Grand Island City Council Item -1 Presentation by Central District Health Department Concerning Smoking Ban Tuesday, May 03, 2005 Study Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Gary Greer City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Gary D. Greer, City Administrator Meeting: May 3, 2005 Subject: Health Department Recommendation on Smoking Policy Item #’s: 1 Presenter(s): Teresa Anderson, Executive Director, Central District Health Department Ryan King, Assistant Director, Central District Health Department Background Over the last year the community has been involved in a process to become more familiar with the various issues associated with second hand smoke. This community process has included a great deal of information, input and discussion. Additionally, the community has been watching various other Cities across the nation in their processes and policies regarding the issue. It is very clear that there is a phenomenal amount of information concerning the subject and there are very strong opinions concerning this subject. Following is a list of activities that have taken place during the public dialogue: June 1, 2004 Study Session conducted to take public input June 22, 2004 Regular Council Meeting to take public input and consider placing a smoking ban on the General Election Motion passed to take time to further study the issue and address ballot language with the possibility of bringing the issue to an election July 20, 2004 Health Department officials visit various restaurants for input August 23, 2004 Health Department officials visit various Bars for input February 22, 2005 Community Forum #1 held to gain input February 24, 2005 Community Forum # 2 held to gain input Attached is a report from the Central District Health Department concerning their findings along with detailed information derived from their discussions and forums. Discussion At this time, it is appropriate for the City Council to receive the report from the Central District Health Department (CDHD) and discuss the next step in the process. The recommendation of the Health Department Board is included on Page 8 of the report and states: CDHD officials recommend to the Grand Island City Council that the Council actively pursue policy that assures smoke-free environments particularly in places where children would be exposed, in workplaces and indoor public areas, and in all governmental facilities and vehicles. CDHD officials also recommend that the Council and all involved in policy change be alert to the several current legislative bills related to SHS. Tracking these bills will serve useful. Because it is a health issue, it is likely that enforcement may fall to CDHD Environmental Division. CDHD offers to work closely with the Council to develop policy that is comprehensive, enforceable, and fair. Now that the public input part of the process is over and the Health Department has made their recommendation it is appropriate for the Council to provide direction on this important matter. The issue at hand is fairly complicated and has evaded clear direction over the last year. It appears that discussions have not developed a clear consensus during deliberations by the State Legislature, City Council, Public or Health Department. Therefore, in order to attempt to provide discussion points City Administration has identified decision milestones which allow for the development of policy consensus. Attached is a decision tree which may help identify key decision points and facilitate the discussion. Conclusion Study Sessions are conducted to allow the Council to discuss far-reaching issues in an informal setting. It is appropriate for the Council to receive the report from the Central District Health Department and discuss what action should be taken concerning their recommendation. Furthermore, City Administration would recommend that the Council attempt to build consensus concerning policy direction on the issue at hand. The last year has been an opportunity for extensive public input and debate. At this time direction is needed on how the City should move or not move on this important issue.