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Chair Kepple provided an overview of Ordinance 23-2022 as a ban on smoking in Lakewood's <br /> city parks. This includes e-cigarettes and vaping. She explained that this policy is sponsored by <br /> Councilmember Baker as well as herself and the Lakewood Youth Council. <br /> Councilmember Marx expressed her support for Ordinance 23-2022. She questioned how the <br /> policy will be managed and policed. <br /> Assistant Director Swallow explained that guards and maintenance workers at the parks will not <br /> be able to write citations, but that they can contact the police if smoking becomes excessive. <br /> Councilmember Marx questioned if there will be proper signage because of the new regulation. <br /> Assistant Director Swallow explained that they may be able to put something in the public's utility <br /> bills in order to give the public a heads up about Ordinance 23-2022 and get the message out. <br /> Councilmember Rader expressed his full support of Ordinance 23-2022 and thanked the Youth <br /> Council for bringing up the important issue. He explained the health risks of smoking and second- <br /> hand smoking and said that he hopes the ordinance will help reverse current trends in youth <br /> smoking and vaping. <br /> The committee discussed the definitions used in the legislation and received clarity from the Law <br /> Department that the definition adequately includes e-cigarettes and vaping. <br /> Councilmember Bullock expressed his support for Ordinance 23-2022. He clarified that the public <br /> could have smoking paraphernalia in their possession but not use it anywhere in the park. He <br /> acknowledged that Ordinance 23-2022 may pose challenges for smokers but explained that these <br /> unhealthy behaviors create health risks and bad influences for the public. <br /> Chair Kepple explained that there are health benefits that come with Ordinance 23-2022 as well <br /> as environmental benefits. She used the example of cigarette butts lying in the park being harmful <br /> to the environment. <br /> Councilmember Bullock agreed that the parks will be cleaner without the cigarette butts. <br /> Motion by Chair Kepple, seconded by Councilmember Rader to recommend Ordinance 23-2022 <br /> to full Council. Motion passed. <br /> The meeting was adjourned without any objections at 7:47 PM. <br /> 3 <br />