Potential Tobacco Ban Sparks Debate in Excelsior

Does a whiff of cigarette smoke ruin a day at the park?

Students from Minnetonka High School along with Emily Anderson, tobacco-free youth recreation program coordinator, asked the city council to consider making all Excelsior parks tobacco-free. In January the Parks and Recreation Commission passed the proposal 6-1, and last Monday Anderson and the students gave a presentation before the city council.

A total of six high school students, ranging from freshman to senior, spoke about the benefits of a tobacco ban, such as a decrease in litter. They explained the dangers of secondhand smoke and provided statistics supporting their assertions. Several students also shared stories about the negative effects of cigarette smoke on student athletes practicing or playing games in the park.

Overall, the students argued, tobacco free parks promote healthy lifestyles.

Mayor Nick Ruehl responded by saying he didn’t want to regulate an issue that may not be problem, adding he has not heard any complaints about smoking in the parks. Though not a smoker, the mayor saw what he called a potential personal liberty issue.

“At what point do we say that certain food can’t be put out on Art on the Lake or Fourth of July?” he said.

Councilwoman Mary Jo Fulkerson agreed with the mayor.

She identified herself as a courteous smoker and said that there were already smoking bans in certain areas of the parks.

Councilman Greg Miller supports the ban. However, he agreed to a compromise of identifying specific park areas that would have the tobacco ban. Councilwoman Jennifer Caron had similar views and noted that many other cities have also instated some form of a tobacco ban.

“I think you’re headed in the right direction as it is a significant health concern,” Caron said.

The mayor and council sparred over the best course of action, with Fulkerson opposed to further action and Miller wanting staff to draft an ordinance.

Anderson said that she would send additional studies about tobacco free parks to the city. After some proposed votes that turned back into discussion and calls for clarification over details, Caron and Councilman John Olson managed to find a proposal that passed—with Fulkerson giving the dissenting vote.

The motion instructs city staff to study the tobacco free ordinances of other cities. Staff will summarize the ordinances that fully ban tobacco and those that ban it in certain park areas.

The city council will revisit the issue next month.

More city council notes:

• The executive director of South Lake-Excelsior Chamber of Commerce, Linda Murrell, asked for a temporary liquor license for Art on the Lake. Rather than limit alcohol to a designated tent, she asked that participants be allowed to walk around with their drinks. Such participants will have wrist bands to help ensure that those under 21 will not have alcohol. The council approved the special event permit and temporary liquor license.

“If it turns into a rave, then we won’t do it next year,” said Olson.

• The Fourth of July parade will travel down Water Street this year with the council’s approval. Murrell also noted that some early afternoon activities will change.

• Minnetonka Public School's new parking lot will have 80 parking spaces. Project representatives expect that the visitors to Excelsior or the nearby trail will also use the trail. Electrical outlets will allow for possible special events at the site. The design leaves open the option for cooperation between the upcoming and Minnetonka Public Schools.

• Kevin Eisen of Barr Engineering told the council that there is still methane gas in a portion of soil at Excelsior Studer Park. He needed to permission to conduct the work required to find out why the gas is still present.