A public hearing to talk about a proposed crackdown on e-cigarettes will take place at the Alexandria City Council meeting on Monday, June 26.
The 7:15 p.m. hearing will discuss an amendment to the city's code regarding the use of electronic delivery devices. The change would prohibit the use of e-cigarettes, e-cigars and e-pipes anywhere that smoking is prohibited by the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act.
Right now, 22 counties and 30 cities in Minnesota have added e-cigarettes to their air policies, including several in the west-central region such as Moorhead, Perham and Fergus Falls.
The council will also consider taking final action on two ordinance amendments. One would prohibit outdoor music - from outside speakers or live performances - that can be heard from public roads after 11 p.m.
The city received a couple of police calls and an email last summer regarding loud music coming from restaurants. In the past, the city has tried to resolve the complaints under its existing noise ordinance, but the section dealing with outdoor music is lengthy, difficult to follow and uses outdated terminology such as referring to phonographs.
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The goal of the amendment is to provide police with clear, unambiguous language when they are called out for a noise ordinance complaint. Violators would be issued a citation.
The other amendment would change seasonal on-sale liquor licensing to allow two types of licenses, six-month and nine-month. The existing ordinance allows for a seasonal license for a minimum of eight months, whether or not the applicant wants the license for a shorter time period. Pro-rated licenses for other time frames will only be allowed for new liquor store licenses, not renewals.
Also on Monday, Gabe Pipo will give a presentation about a veterans' memorial; the Red Willow Arts Coalition will seek a special event permit to block Seventh Avenue during courthouse on the lawn concerts; and Community Development Director Mike Weber will present recommendations from the planning commission and a proposed lease renewal for a safe exchange house.
The city administrator and city attorney will also go over their items of business.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
