Thanks to Inver Grove Ford for their support.
In a split decision, City Council voted to allow smoking marijuana in parks except around kids. Other discussion included the 2024 budget and Robert Street sidewalk snow removal.
Smoking Marijuana in Parks
Council modified an existing and mostly ignored tobacco free policy to include smoking marijuana. Debate focused on a near-total prohibition in parks or a narrow carve out around kids.
- At issue: As discussed in the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting last week, the debate is a balance between equity and health. Many apartments ban smoking entirely, leaving few spaces for renters to smoke.
- Two stances: The existing tobacco free policy allowed smoking in parks except within 25 feet of any location where it “could be inhaled by a minor.” On the other hand, Dakota County only allows smoking in parks in roadways, parking lots, and campgrounds.
- Enforcement: Either way, Council was considering a policy and not an ordinance, meaning it’s not something police would enforce and infractions would not incur any legal penalties.
- Split: Council Members Julie Eastman and Pat Armon argued for the near-total prohibition for health reasons and consistency across the city. Council Members Lisa Eng-Sarne and John Justen pushed for equity and the narrow prohibition.
- Vote: Ultimately the narrow prohibition passed on a 4-2 vote, with Eastman and Armon voting no.
So smoking of any kind is allowed in West St. Paul parks, but not within 25 feet of where children could be, including playgrounds, sports fields and courts, the splash pad, and the pool. Meanwhile in Thompson Park, which is a county park, smoking is restricted to roadways and parking lots.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council discussed Robert Street sidewalk snow removal.
- For the past 20 years the city has hired a contractor to plow sidewalks from Butler to Mendota Roads and billed property owners. Annapolis to Butler has been left to property owners, with mixed results.
- The current contractor would not bid the northern section due to the many challenges of retaining walls and lack of snow storage. Other contractors could cost up to three times as much.
- There was no good solution, though Council asked staff to keep working on the problem, even if it means more enforcement.
More on the Agenda
- Budget: During the OCWS, staff gave an update on the preliminary budget, which will come for official approval in September. Since initially presenting the budget back in April, staff has worked to reduce the levy increase from 8.4% to 6.03%.
- Drive thrus: Council approved the final reading of changes to drive thru rules that more specifically spell out requirements.
- Road work: Council approved the preliminary engineering report for the 2024 mill and overlay projects as part of the consent agenda, which includes Kraft, Richard, Teresa, Vivian, Kathleen, Muriel, Audrey, Carol, Westview, Scott, and Holiday streets.
- Pro tem: Council Member Wendy Berry served as mayor pro tem for the first time with the absence of Mayor Dave Napier.
Engage
- Watch: City Council and OCWS meetings are archived online.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
We believe in government transparency and provide these West St. Paul City Council previews with the support of our members.
My opinion! So, regarding the smoking. Someone is smoking 25 feet or more from me and my grandkids, the wind is blowing towards me and the smoke is overpowering. Good job guys. Falls within the policy of 25 feet so it is perfectly OK, for kids to smell all this, but at the same time we are being educated that smoking is not healthy.
Lucille, for what it’s worth, what they passed is the same policy we’ve had since 2008, it just adds marijuana smoking. So the issue you point out is pre-existing.