HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 13 14 CSAC MinutesCommunity Safety Advisory Committee
November 13, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Attending: Pat Dougherty, Linda Ringstad, Betsy Jader, Gina Gertner, Janine Alcorn, Woody
Spitzmueller, PLPD Randy Hofstad, Mike McGuire, Sarah Schwartzhoff (asst City Atty).
Absent: Kara Steichen
Meeting called to order at 4:05 pm by Pat.
Approval of October Agenda: Motion by Gina; 2nd by Betsy. Approval Unanimous.
Approval of October Minutes: Motion by Gina,2nd by Betsy. Approval Unanimous
Asst City Attorney Sarah Schwartzhoff discussed a memorandum prepared by her law firm and directed
to the Prior Lake city council regarding sampling, e-cigarettes and hookah lounges. The memo detailed
existing regulations and described actions in regard to these issues taken by surrounding communities.
The committee agreed that regulation of these problems is appropriate. It was noted that the use of e-
cigarettes by youth in particular has showed very significant rise in numbers who have used them. The
committee agreed to recommend that the city council adopt ordinances similar to those adopted by Savage
and Shakopee. Recommendations are summarized below:
1. Licensing – for e-cigarettes should be required and included with current tobacco products.
2. Pricing – no action recommended
3. Smoking Prohibition – follow state law and MN Clean indoor air act as adopted by city of Savage.
Means use of e-cigarettes in the city of Prior Lake would be regulated in same manner as are other
tobacco products.
4. Sampling (hookah lounges) – ban smoking in retail stores; again consistent with clean indoor air
act, and consistent with ordinance adopted by the city of Savage. At this time the city of Prior
Lake has no known sampling lounges.
Discussed the open meeting law as applied to Betsy Jader participating in CSAC meetings from her
winter residence in Florida. The attorney (Sarah) said that when participating Betsy needs to be in a public
area with notice of the meeting posted. Sarah also stated that there must be video and audio captured so
that all committee members may be seen and heard,
New business:
Randy advised the committee that the PLPD has hired a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) as full time
officer. He will be an asset used during DWI enforcement for the force and the county as well. DRE skill
set provides experience recognizing impaired driver using meds and drugs as well as alcohol.
CSAC agreed to endorse flyer distributed by the local snowmobile club.
Meeting adjourned at 5:15 PM.
Motion by Linda, 2nd by Pat. Unanimous approval.