RulesCommunications Highlights 2009 0526

Home

City Council Rules and Communications Committee May 26, 2009 .. ~ ~3 Ms. Ornelas indicated that she would add shopping malls to the definition of "Public Places" in the ordinance, and noted that shopping malls are both public places and places of employment. By requiring all places of employment to be smoke-free, rather than just those employing more than five employees, the City's ordinance would be more restrictive than state law. Serena Chen, from the American Lung Association, commented that three cities have banned smoking on golf courses. The Committee discussed smoking restrictions on golf courses, and recommended restricting smoking on the driving ranges and practice putting greens only. The Committee discussed the effective date for the requirements on multi-unit residences. The Committee suggested that SO% of units in multi-unit residences be required to be designated non-smoking within 30 months after the ordinance becomes effective. The Committee agreed to exempt the area in front of bars from smoking distance regulations, as was done in Oakland. The Committee discussed the need for outreach to the public, and to the schools regarding the proposed smoking prohibition within 300 feet of primary and secondary schools. Committee members suggested holding public meetings, and inviting apartment owners and the Rental Horne Owners Association to attend. Jessica Lehman, from Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL), suggested sending meeting notifications to health centers, senior centers, and child care groups. Paul Cummings, from Alameda County Public Health, thanked the Committee for considering the smoking ordinance, and for inviting participation in its creation. Serena Chen, from the American Lung Association, expressed appreciation for the great work by Kathy Ornelas in researching and developing the draft ordinance. She commented on the rising popularity of hookah bars, which are marketed to college-aged and younger people. Interim Assistant City Manager Jacqui Diaz commented that hookah bars are often operated out of restaurants. Janice Louie, from Alameda County Public Health, commented that cities with large Middle Eastenl populations have seen establishments that sell food by day and run hookah bars at night. 3. Discussion Regarding Ranked Choice Voting and Moving the City's Municipal Election from June to November 2010 City Clerk Marian Handa reported that there have been no new developments in the certification process for the Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) system. The Sequoia RCV system has been in the federal testing process since August 2007. The system would either need to achieve both federal and state certification, or receive aone-time certification from the Secretary of State, in order for the City to use it in the 2010 municipal election.