AgdaPkt 2009-01-26 clsd and reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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7C Page 1 . . ... . R.. .m-,.p. omI' ,.';a......,.,.. .......ri · . .. . January 26, 2009 SUBJECT Ordinance prohibiting smoking in all Redwood City parks RECOMMENDATION Introduce an ordinance amending Section 25.2.02 (L) of the Redwood City Municipal Code to prohibit smoking in all Redwood City parks BACKGROUND The proposed Smoke-Free Parks Ordinance (Attachment 1) would prohibit smoking in all City parks. Staff requested that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission consider recommending a change in the ordinance when staff became aware of a smoking-related conflict that arose during a Music in the Park event. When there are large gatherings at park events, people smoking in the vicinity have often caused an unpleasant experience for those sensitive to second hand smoke. The Commission turned the matter over to its Park Rules Enforcement Subcommittee for consideration. The Subcommittee decided that their most important task was to get a sense of public opinion on the topic. As a result, in May 2008, staff issued press releases, REC e-news notices and email blasts to direct the public to an on-line survey. Over 300 surveys were received, and 860/0 of those responding favored a ban on smoking. In general, those supporting the ban cited public health issues and the high use of parks by children. The 140/0 who opposed the ban felt that it would infringe on civil liberties and would be virtually unenforceable. The Commission asked staff to increase outreach efforts when no one appeared on the subject at the October 22,2008 meeting. Staff placed paid advertisements in the Redwood City Daily News in addition to press releases, email blasts and use of the City website. The efforts resulted in several news stories and television coverage on the day of the November Commission meeting, but did not bring in any speakers. Other cities have recognized the health and safety benefits of smoke-free parks. Locally, the cities of Belmont, Burlingame, and the County of San Mateo have banned smoking in their parks. Other cities that have adopted similar policies include: Roseville, Sacramento, San Francisco, Davis, Fresno, Modesto, Dublin, Emeryville, Salinas, San Diego, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, and over three dozen other cities in California. Attachment 2 (Supporting Data) provides further information on the health issues of second hand smoke, which are summarized in the findings for the amended ordinance. Attachment 3 (Outreach Sample) provides an example of an informational flyer used by the City of Santa Clarita to explain the no smoking ordinance to the public, following approval of the ordinance. Should the City Council approve this amended ordinance, the PRCS Department plans to distribute a similar informational flyer.