City of Missoula
Public Safety and Health Committee Agenda

Meeting #:
Date:	Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 9:00 A.m. - 12:00 P.m.
Location:	ZOOM Webinar

Members:

• Stacie Anderson (chair),
• John P. Contos,
• Mirtha Becerra,
• Heather Harp,
• Jordan Hess,
• Gwen Jones,
• Julie Merritt,
• Jesse Ramos,
• Amber Sherrill,
• Sandra Vasecka,
• Bryan von Lossberg,
• and Heidi West

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Issues?  Call the City Clerk 406-552-6078

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1.

ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS

1.1

Roll Call

1.2

Approval of the Minutes for October 28th and November 4, 2020

2.

PUBLIC COMMENT

3.

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

3.1

Fire Department Update - Crisis Response Unit

Brad Davis

• Recommended motion:

  N/A

3.2

Proposal to regulate tobacco sales and prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products

Mirtha Becerra, Gwen Jones, Stacie Anderson, Heidi West, Julie Merritt

Oct 30, 2020

Mike Keefe

The proposal from state DPHHS to the state legislature failed, the state has reserved the authority to be most severe in terms of youth protection from alcohol and nicotine in the state of Montana. The city/county DPHHS is now attempting to pass similar verbiage through you, knowing that it is in violation of state law. They do not care about the law, they refuse to acknowledge the criminal act of possession, purchase, and use by underage parties. They see this as a health issue only, and by ignoring the law, would have you violate it and your oaths of office. The area of 5 miles outside the city limits is a huge swath of county land and thousands of county residents that can not vote for City Officials would be robbed of decision making process. For the purposes of youth protection, any law you make will be preempted by state law. You have wasted too much time and energy on an issue that is not in your purview, any further abuse of power will necessitate your removal.

Jun 24, 2020

Amanda Cahill

General In our community and across the nation, youth e-cigarette use has reached epidemic levels. It’s no accident that tobacco companies have flooded the market with kid-friendly flavors like fruit, mint, and candy—these flavors are specifically designed to entice kids, and that’s exactly what’s happened. Kid-friendly flavors do not belong in any tobacco product. The removal of all flavors from all tobacco products is essential for reducing their appeal to youth and stemming the epidemic we face today. All Flavors Flavored e-cigarettes are driving the youth e-cigarette epidemic. 97% of youth e-cigarette users report using a flavored product in the past month, and 70% cite flavors as a key reason for their use. More than 8 out of 10 youth who have ever used tobacco products started with a flavored product.

Jun 24, 2020

Shannan Sproull

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Shannan Sproull and I am a concerned resident from Ward 6. I am employed as a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist and I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. The Montana Prevention Needs Survey is taken by 8th, 10th and 12th graders every other year. • In 2016 and 2018, ~87% of 8th grade students had “used electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, or e-hookahs in the past 30 days.” 8th grade. That is approximately 13-14 years old. In addition, research shows that among youth ages 12-17, 82 percent say flavors are the primary reason they use e-cigarettes. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt this ordinance to protect our youth. Thank you for your time, Shannan Sproull 2145 Carol Ann Court

Jun 24, 2020

Rebekah Cochrane

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Rebekah and I live in Ward 1. As the Children, Youth, and Family Director at St. Paul Lutheran Church, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows that among youth ages 12 to 17, kids I work with every day, 82 percent say flavors are the primary reason they use e-cigarettes. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavor Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thanks for your time, Rebekah Cochrane 910 Briar St

Jun 24, 2020

Alissa Finegan

Good Afternoon Missoula City Council, My name is Alissa Finegan and I live in Ward 3. As an educator in MCPS, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows in Montana, 300 kids will become new daily smokers each year. I’ve seen how deceptive and pervasive vaping has become in MCPS high schools and middle schools. Tobacco companies target youth by distancing vaping from harsh cigarettes by offering colorful candy flavors. These “fun” flavors allow for children to be curious, ultimately leading to harmful addiction of nicotine. It is the new route to lifelong nicotine addiction tobacco companies created for financial gains- at the cost of kid’s health. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. Please adopt the ordinance that will restrict the sales of flavored tobacco and break the cycle. Alissa Fingan 1141 Cleveland St 615-390-0869

Jun 24, 2020

Rev. John Lund

As a campus pastor and a father of two teenage boys I am strongly in favor of eliminating marketing and sales of e-cigarette and vaping products to everyone especially minors. These products are known to cause permanent damage to lung tissue and they are intentionally designed to lead to consumption of tobacco products which are highly addictive and major health hazzard. I have first hand knowledge that our youth are highly succeptible to these products and it is currently a huge public health issue for our high school aged citizens. Adults have a moral obligation to protect minors from exploitation and these products are designed to create lifelong economic drains along with the aforementioned health and environmental damages. Thank you for considering these comments. John Lund, Emmaus Campus Ministry.

Jun 24, 2020

Alishka

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Alishka and I live in ward 1. I am writing today as a concerned preschool/ elementary school teacher to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows that in Montana, 300 kids will become new daily smokers each year. I have seen what flavored tobacco does to young people, including my younger sister. She speaks about how much she wants to quit but her addiction is strong to these products. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protection. Thank you for your time. Alishka Gusky 340 Jefferson Street 406-531-1207

Jun 23, 2020

Rev. John Daniels

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Rev. John Daniels, and I am the pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Missoula which is located in Ward 1. As the leader of a faith community concerned for the health of all of our citizens, especially our younger members, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. It is no secret that tobacco products are a detriment to general health; the damage tobacco can cause in young, developing bodies is especially regrettable. I would strongly encourage you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Thank you for your time, Rev. John Daniels, pastor First United Methodist Church 300 East Main St. Missoula, Montana

Jun 23, 2020

Audrey Forbes

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Audrey Forbes and I live in Ward 6. As a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I am writing to voice my concern over the targeted marketing and sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products to the youth of Missoula. Research shows that nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and harms children’s brain development. Tobacco flavorings have recently been shown to cause endothelial cell dysfunction, which leads to cardiovascular disease. Given that rural youth are more likely to report daily smoking and starting smoking at younger ages, the availability of flavored tobacco products portends a serious public health crisis for Missoula kids. I urge the council to adopt an ordinance to address this issue. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same. Thank you, Audrey Forbes, 1940 Trail St (number withheld)

Jun 23, 2020

Audrey Forbes

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Audrey Forbes and I live in Ward 6. As a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I am writing to voice my concern over the targeted marketing and sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products to the youth of Missoula. Research shows that nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and harms children’s brain development. Tobacco flavorings have recently been shown to cause endothelial cell dysfunction, which leads to cardiovascular disease. Given that rural youth are more likely to report daily smoking and starting smoking at younger ages, the availability of flavored tobacco products portends a serious public health crisis for Missoula kids. I urge the council to adopt an ordinance to address this issue. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same. Thank you, Audrey Forbes, 1940 Trail St (number withheld)

Jun 23, 2020

Rev. Laura Folkwein

Dear Council Members, My name is Laura Folkwein and I live in Ward 3. As a Missoula resident, a social worker, and a clergy person, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of marketing and selling flavored tobacco and nicotine products to Missoula kids. Research shows that early all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm children’s brain development. My ethical guidelines as a social worker and as a pastor remind me that children are to be protected and nurtured with utmost care. Their health and well-being is all of our responsibility as a community. Flavored vaping products do nothing to help kids grow, learn, or flourish. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thank you for your time, Rev. Laura Folkwein University Congregational UCC

Jun 23, 2020

Rev.Dr. Jennifer Yocum

I’d like to submit comments in favor of eliminating marketing and sales of e-cigarette and vaping products to everyone especially minors. First, these products are known to cause permanent damage to lung tissue. Second, these products are intentionally designed to lead to consumption of tobacco products which are major health hazards and environmental disasters. Third, adults have a moral obligation to protect minors from exploitation and these products are designed to create lifelong economic drains along with the aforementioned health and environmental damages. Thank you for considering these comments. Respectfully, Jennifer Yocum 1710 34th St Missoula, MT

Jun 23, 2020

Rev. Daniel D. Disch

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Daniel Disch and I live in Ward 4. As a pastor and father, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows in Montana, 300 kids will become new daily smokers each year. Vaping is included in that nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. With others, I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. In supporting this initiative, I thank you for serving our youth and community health. Rev. Daniel Disch 400 Fairview Avenue [phone]

Jun 23, 2020

Abby Huseth

Dear Council Members, My name is Abby Huseth and I live in Ward 2. As a parent, I am writing to support the proposed city ordinance to ban flavored tobacco and nicotine products. These products are deliberately targeted to kids, and we cannot allow tobacco companies to put profits over the health of our children. Vaping and e-cig products are insidious because they are perceived as "healthier" than traditional tobacco products, and they are just as harmful. Prohibiting flavored tobacco is a commonsense solution and I ask you to support this effort. Sincerely, Abby Huseth

Jun 23, 2020

Abigail Lynes

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Abby Lynes, and I am a resident of Ward 4. I'm writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows, nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm children’s brain development. This is a high-stakes issue, with their lives, health and well-being on the line. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thank you for your time, Abigail Lynes 125 W. Kent Ave. [phone]

Jun 23, 2020

Hannah Kosel

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Hannah Kosel and I live in Ward 3. As a youth worker at a therapeutic group home with Youth Homes Montana, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows that among youth ages 12 to 17, 82 percent say flavors are the primary reason they use e-cigarettes. It is extremely harmful for tobacco companies to market to youth who are working so hard to break the systems of addiction that have affected them and their families. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless addiction caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thanks, Hannah Kosel 320 Brooks St. 507-458-3667

Jun 23, 2020

Pastor Chris Flohr

As a professional in our community I fully support a city ordinance that will address the serious problem of the use of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Montana youth. I strongly encourage the city council to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless addiction, disease and potential death caused by flavored tobacco products. Thank you for your vital attention to this significant matter effecting our young people and families and community.

Jun 23, 2020

C.B. Pearson

In advance of the committee meeting tomorrow I wanted to share two items - our campaign website that has some great background https://montanakidsvsbigtobacco.org/ And, a link that shows the "graduation strategy" used by tobacco companies for decades. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK99238/figure/ch5.f5/?report=objectonly Graduation strategy designed to encourage new smokeless tobacco users to start with products with low free nicotine content and progress to others with higher levels of free nicotine. Source:U.S. Smokeless Tobacco 1984; Connolly 1995. Thank you.

Jun 22, 2020

Marit Olson

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Marit Olson and I live in Ward 3. As someone who works in youth development with teens considered "at-risk", I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm children’s brain development. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thank you for your time, Marit Olson 520 River St. #3 [phone]

Jun 22, 2020

Courtney VonLindern

My name is Courtney VonLindern and I live in Ward 1 of Missoula. As a Youth Ministry Director, I am writing today to voice my SUPPORT for the ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products and how their marketed toward our children. Research shows that nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is HIGHLY addictive and can cause harm to children's brain development. As a city council, I'm asking that you help prevent this damage in our young people and follow suit with more than 270 communities that have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Thank you for your time, Courtney VonLindern 2120 Missoula Ave. (number withheld)

Jun 22, 2020

Jessica Conner

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Jessica Con and I live in Ward 4. As a school counselor, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows: Flavors, including menthol, are the main reason youth use tobacco and vape products. Nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm children’s brain development. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thank you for your time, Jessica Conner 423 W Central Ave. Missoula, MT 59801 [phone]

Jun 22, 2020

Tori McLaren Wilson

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Tori Wilson. I live in Ward 4. As a local middle school teacher, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target kids who live, play and attend school here in Missoula. Research shows that nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm children’s brain development. I know firsthand that these products target and attract even kids as young as eleven and twelve years old. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thank you for your time, Tori Wilson 206 W Central Ave [email protected]

Jun 22, 2020

Robin

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Robin and I live in Ward 1. As a School Counselor in training at UM, a former teacher and current employee of the Boys and Girls Club, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows that nearly all vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm children’s brain development. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thank you for your time, Robin

Jun 22, 2020

Kezia Lovelady

To The Missoula City Council, My name is Kezia Lovelady and I live in Ward 1. As the Director of Youth Development for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Missoula County, I am writing today to voice my support for a city ordinance that will address the problem of flavored tobacco and nicotine products used to target Missoula kids. Research shows: Among youth ages 12 to 17, 82 percent say flavors are the primary reason they use e-cigarettes. As a city council, the ability to change this is in your hands. I’m asking you to adopt an ordinance that will end the needless death, addiction and disease caused by flavored tobacco products. Across the country, more than 270 communities have taken this policy initiative to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Missoula kids deserve the same protections. Thank you for your time, Kezia Lovelady 704 North 5th Street West 406-202-5112

• Recommended motion:

  Second and final reading-Adopt/Deny an ordinance of the Missoula City Council creating Title 8, Chapter 8.38 Missoula Municipal Code entitled“Restrictions on the Display of Tobacco Products and the Sale of Flavored Electronic Tobacco Products,
  and on the unlawful transactions consisting of selling or giving tobacco products to youth under the age of 18

4.

ADJOURNMENT