03/08/17 City Council Agenda Packet

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Open Spaces became smokefree and in January 2017, Lane County acted to make all 73 county parks and open spaces smoke and tobacco -free. Current ordinances do not allow smoking within 10 feet of any public doorway or within 25 feet of the entrances to government buildings throughout Eugene. While these ordinances provide some level of protection from secondhand smoke indoors, they do not address outdoor smoking in high use pedestrian areas, such as downtown sidewalks, alleys and public spaces. The primary purpose of creating and maintaining smokefree public spaces is to protect the health and safety of the community. Expanding public smokefree areas helps prevent the dangers of secondhand smoke and encourages a reduction in tobacco usage. In addition to reducing exposure to the harmful impacts of tobacco smoke, the ordinance will provide spaces that are more accessible to everyone, including those people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, as well as other health conditions. Furthermore, the ordinance will have a positive impact on the environment by reducing cigarette litter in local stormwater systems and waterways. The City Council held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to expand smokefree areas in downtown on February 27, 2017. At the hearing, 34 people provided testimony (21 opposed; 13 supported). From February 8, 2017 (when Council moved to hold the public hearing) to 4:00 p.m. on March 1, approximately 56 emails related to the proposed ordinance were received (13 opposed; 43 supported). Based on Council feedback two ordinances are currently provided for consideration. • The proposed ordinance in Attachment A would expand smokefree areas to include the public spaces - sidewalks, alleys, and plazas - within the defined area of the downtown core (Attachment C). This ordinance includes an option to create designated smoking areas after 6:00 p.m. and an "Opt -In" option for smokefree properties outside of the core to create smokefree areas on the public right away adjacent to their property. • The proposed ordinance in Attachment B would expand smokefree areas to include the public spaces - sidewalks, alleys, and plazas - within the defined area of the downtown core (Attachment C). This ordinance includes an option for properties within the downtown core to "Opt -Out" and create designated smoking areas at any time. This ordinance would also include an "Opt -In" option for smokefree properties outside of the core to create smokefree areas on the public right away adjacent to their property. RELATED CITY POLICIES City Council Goals Safe Community - A community where all people are safe, valued and welcome. • Greater sense of safety (especially downtown) Regional Prosperity Economic Development Plan Strategy 5: Identify as a Place to Thrive, Priority Next Step - Urban Vitality As we foster a creative economy, dynamic urban centers are an important asset. Eugene, Springfield and many of the smaller communities in the region, recognize the importance of supporting and enhancing vitality in their city centers. Building downtowns as places to live,