Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 17, 2004 () () CÐ~t ~ 5'\NDbVE~ , Î -15~ÚL~ lfrLdrt-n ~J PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JUNE 17, 2004 MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Acting Chairman Dave Blackstad on June 17,2004, at 7:40 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Acting Chairman Dave Blackstad; Thomas Goodmanson; and Valerie Holthus Commissioners Absent: Ernest Bedor; Jim Lindahl; Dan Masloski; and Devon Walton Also Present: Others ~J 2. RESIDENT'S FORUM There were no comments at this time. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A quorum was not present at the meeting; as a result, approval of the May 20, 2004 Park and Recreation Commission meeting minutes was tabled. 4. CONSIDER POLICY OR ORDINANCE AMENDMENT/CITY CODE #8, CHAPTER 4/TOBACCO-FREE POLICIES FOR PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS & ATHLETIC FACILITIES Acting Chairman Blackstad stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider a Tobacco-Free Policy for Parks, Playgrounds and Athletic Facilities as requested by Rachel Hilyar, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator for Anoka County's Community Health and Environmental Services. Acting Chairman Blackstad indicated that this item would be tabled for further discussion pending a quorum of the Park and Recreation Commission. Ms. Hilyar was requested to present information regarding the proposed tobacco-free policy and the remaining Park and Recreation Commission members would be provided an opportunity to review the videotape of Ms. Hilyar's 0 presentation this evening. (J (] Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 17, 2004 Page 2 (-\ " J Ms. Hilyar informed the Commission that the Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation (TFYR) Initiative is a state-wide recreation-based tobacco prevention program that assists recreational groups in promoting healthy tobacco-free lifestyles. The County has received grant monies to support tobacco-free initiatives and is interested in assisting the City of Andover in adopting a tobacco-free policy for its parks, playgrounds and athletic facilities. Ms. Hilyar noted that the grant monies could be used to educate citizens about the tobacco-free policies. In addition, cities that adopt comprehensive tobacco-free policies for their recreational facilities can receive free "tobacco-free zone" signs. Sarah and Becky, two Andover High School students, encouraged the City of Andover to adopt a tobacco-free policy as part of an effort to ensure that participants and spectators are not expose4 to secondhand smoke and to reduce litter in area parks. Gary Horning, a resident of Andover, expressed his views on why adopting a tobacco- free policy is important, and stated his belief that the City has an obligation and responsibility to safeguard its residents from secondhand smoke. Mr. Horning noted the importance of modeling and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Commissioner Holtus requested further information regarding an article contained in the Star Tribune indicating that apparently in four Minnesota cities, smokers can be arrested for violating the tobacco-free policy. Commissioner Holtus asked Ms. Hilyar if she could ~-) identify these four cities; Ms. Hilyar did not know the identity of the cities. - --- Acting Chairman Blackstad asked if Anoka County's recreational facilities had adopted a tobacco-free policy. Ms. Hilyar replied that the County is in the process of adopting a tobacco-free policy at this time. The Commission members thanked Ms. Hilyar and the three Andover residents for their efforts. This item will be placed on the agenda for the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting, either on July 1, 2004 or July 15,2004. Ms. Hilyar was informed that it is not necessary for her to attend the meeting, but she is welcome to attend. 5. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS/CHAIR'S REPORT Acting Chairman Blackstad noted that sodding of the west field of Prairie Knoll Park is complete. Acting Chairman Blackstad stated that the lease agreement has been signed by Constance Free Church. The skate park equipment has been delivered and is in the process of being installed. Acting Chairman Blackstad thanked Constance Free Church for agreeing to install and manage the park equipment. Acting Chairman Blackstad mentioned that the shelter at Sunshine Park is now complete C~) and it looks very nice. u U Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 17, 2004 Page 3 / 6. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Holtus, seconded by Goodmanson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried on a 3-ayes, O-nays, 4-absent (Bedor, Lindahl, Masloski and Walton) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Barbara Hughes, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. - , , .. -, J -