RESOLUTION NO. 23 of 2013
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TOBACCO-FREE POLICY
ON CITY-OWNED PROPERTY
WHEREAS, the City of Redwood Falls (“City”) believes that tobacco use in the proximity of children and adults engaging in or watching outdoor recreational activities at City-owned or operated facilities is detrimental to their health and can be offensive to those using such facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City has a unique opportunity to promote an environment that supports a non-tobacco norm through a tobacco-free policy, rule enforcement, and adult-peer role modeling for children on City-owned outdoor recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City believes parents, leaders, and officials involved in recreation are role models for youth and can have a positive effect on the lifestyle choices they make; and
WHEREAS, the tobacco industry advertises at and sponsors recreational events to foster a connection between tobacco use and recreation and athletics; and
WHEREAS, the City Park & Recreation Commission and Redwood Falls City Council have determined that the promotion of tobacco-free youth events at the City’s recreational facilities serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of our City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Tobacco Free Policy. When children are present, tobacco use is prohibited in City-owned outdoor recreational facilities designed for and used by children. All persons shall refrain from using any form of tobacco at such outdoor recreational facilities (including the restrooms, spectator and concession areas) while children are present. These facilities include the Redwood Area Community Center property, the Redwood Falls Aquatics Center and property, Ramsey Park and other municipal playgrounds and athletic fields during youth events. This policy shall not apply to individually rented campsites in Ramsey Park, the use of tobacco as part of a traditional, spiritual, or cultural ceremony, or other facilities when not in use for youth activities.
Section 2: Enforcement. The emphasis on enforcing the tobacco free policy is through voluntary compliance.
a. Appropriate signs shall be posted in the above specified areas.
b. The community, especially facility users and staff, will be notified about this policy.
c. Staff will make periodic observations of recreational facilities to monitor for compliance.
d. Youth programs utilizing City-owned facilities will be asked to commit to enforcing this policy during all scheduled events.
Section 3: Effective Date. This policy statement is effective immediately upon the date of adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, this 20 day of August , 2013.