WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 2 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=zkkTb1r5pAw Video-2: youtube.com/watch?v=0agxwxp79sY Part: 1 1 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:18.000 --------- Call the order. So, public safety committee. It is 6:50 p.m. We have one item on the agenda tonight. It's order number 26-1009773, a city council resolution in support of 2 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:35.440 a nicot nicotine-free generation policy. And I'll read this very quickly, as quick as I can, that the resolution in support of nicotine-free generation policy be and is herewith referred to the public safety committee. Resolution in support 3 00:00:35.440 --> 00:00:51.680 of the nicotine-free generation policy. Whereas the city of Marvel recognizes that nicotine addiction remains one of the leading preventable causes of illness, disease, and premature death in the United States. And whereas the use of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, vaping products, nicotine 4 00:00:51.680 --> 00:01:07.760 pouches, and other nicotine delivery systems have contributed to increased rates of cancer, heart disease, respiratory illness, substance dependency, and youth addiction. And whereas the city acknowledges the growing public health concerns associated with youth, vaping, and nicotine use, particularly among 5 00:01:07.760 --> 00:01:24.479 adolescence and young adults. And whereas nicotine products are intentionally designed to create dependency and addiction, often beginning before adulthood. And whereas communities across the nation are exploring innovative public health strategies to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine 6 00:01:24.479 --> 00:01:39.520 products. And whereas the city of Marwood desires to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce long-term health care costs, improve public wellness, and protect future generations from nicotine addiction. Now therefore, it is resolved that the city council of Marvel supports 7 00:01:39.520 --> 00:01:54.880 this creation of a fa of a phased nicotine-free generation policy designed to gradually eliminate the legal sale of nicotine and tobacco products to future generations of residents. Be it further resolved that any individual born on or 8 00:01:54.880 --> 00:02:11.920 after January 1st, 2010 shall permanently be prohibited from purchasing nicotine or tobacco products within the city of Marorrow once enabling ordinances and regulations are adopted. that this policy shall apply to all nicotine containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, 9 00:02:11.920 --> 00:02:28.080 cigars, vape products, and electronic nicotine delivery systems, smokeless tobacco, nicotine pouches, and synthetic nicotine products. that the city shall implement the policy gradually in order to educate residents and retailers, provide smoking sensation resources, 10 00:02:28.080 --> 00:02:43.680 reduce youth nicotine addiction, support public health initiatives that the city encourages partnerships with local schools, health care providers, addiction recovery organizations, and community groups to educate residents about the dangers of nicotine addiction and to promote 11 00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:59.920 prevention and recovery services. that the city supports the expansion of smoking sensation programs, counseling services, and recovery support opportunities for residents seeking to overcome nicotine addiction. That the city clerk shall forward copies of this resolution to the Massachusetts 12 00:02:59.920 --> 00:03:15.519 Department of Public Health, legal legislative representatives, the Marble Board of Health, and other appropriate agencies for review and considerations. Be it further resolved that this resolution represents the city's commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations and 13 00:03:15.519 --> 00:03:31.280 creating a healthier future for youth of Marorrow. Along with that resolution submitted by councelor Vital. Along with that resolution was a letter of support from the director of public health here in Marorrow, Paul Denwood, 14 00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:47.519 who um I'm not going to read his entire but he's very much in favor of this resolution. And then also a a student over at the Advanced Math and Science Academy. She she is the president of a a club called the the 84 movement which is 15 00:03:47.519 --> 00:04:04.159 a state uh initiative uh to the public schools uh trying to to uh eliminate nic nicotine in all forms and so she sent a letter of support as well. Um I would entertain a motion to accept the resolution. 16 00:04:04.159 --> 00:04:20.799 >> So moved on the committee. >> Oh I thought you wanted to accept a motion. Yes, Costa. >> I move to accept the resolution. >> Thank you. The resolution, a motion to accept the resolution has been seconded. All those in favor? Um 17 00:04:20.799 --> 00:04:36.000 >> discussion. May we have discussion first? >> Yes, councelor. >> Thank Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um >> admirable for what this does bring as a resolution. Uh I am not in support of the resolution and the biggest reason 18 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:52.320 for me is I still believe it's an intrusion or adult's ability to exercise personal responsibility and individual libert liberty and even though I am fully aware that I know that cigarette smoke is a carcinogen. Um I just do not 19 00:04:52.320 --> 00:05:09.520 believe um that that it is our position to have this uh have this resolution. Um but that is certainly my opinion. I'll leave it at that. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Roby. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I I also have the same concerns, but I also am 20 00:05:09.520 --> 00:05:26.400 curious, and I did not talk to the solicitor, but I'm not sure what a resolution like this actually does. I could see if the board of health had a policy which they could then enforce or the city council had an ordinance which could then be enforced. That would be 21 00:05:26.400 --> 00:05:42.240 different. So, I wasn't sure if your idea was to be in support of the board of health having a policy, which it doesn't sound like they have talked about in detail. I know they're working on a body 22 00:05:42.240 --> 00:05:59.280 people policy. Um, so exactly what do you think this if this gets approved and I say if it only takes six votes and I've been surprised on resolutions exactly how will it get enforced because 23 00:05:59.280 --> 00:06:15.759 there's no law with it. >> Very good. Would you like to comment? >> If I may, first of all, I would like to apologize. I'm not on your committee so I realize this. What am I doing? Anyways, um I would like to comment on 24 00:06:15.759 --> 00:06:33.120 that and I see this as a resolution. I think the most important part that's in here is the fact that it's getting referred to the local Marbor board of health and I agree that this resolution I'm in favor of it. As you know, I motioned without even being on the committee. Uh but I'm in favor of this 25 00:06:33.120 --> 00:06:48.400 and this is just not Mar that's doing this. There's 25 communities right now that have done it, including the city of Newton. Uh but I see the need. I understand uh trying to change things as 26 00:06:48.400 --> 00:07:05.039 difficult. Tobacco has always been a difficult area for change. But I in the respect of what's being sold here, I find tobacco as a poison and it can poison our children. And if we start looking at changing when 27 00:07:05.039 --> 00:07:22.479 or not when, but when someone turns a certain age, it should be noted that we're really not doing the best for our community. Uh, but I would because this resolution, I believe, doesn't really create any legislation. Uh, I agree that 28 00:07:22.479 --> 00:07:38.319 it should be passed by the Marbor Board of Health for their decision and regulations. With that said, thank you, Mr. Chair, and sorry I interrupted on a motion. >> That's quite okay, Council. Councelor Ruby, before I mention what my intent 29 00:07:38.319 --> 00:07:55.759 is, excuse me, M. Councelor Aing. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, I'll just remind councilors and we've kind of touched on it. A resolution is just the expression of an opinion present an intent or conclusion of a legislative determined fact. So, there's no teak. 30 00:07:55.759 --> 00:08:11.360 This is just, you know, I want to paint the sky green. Okay, we can pass a resolution to say that. Right. So, that's all this does. It doesn't commit us to anything. It just says the council's on board. Councelor Roby and Council Orma are correct. The board of health needs to take some action just 31 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:26.800 like we've been in Kraken or what Kraton, >> you know, they got to pass an ordinance or a a rule that says we're going to enforce this. The board of health took it up in 2024. Uh there was some push 32 00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:42.240 back. It didn't go anywhere. This would I would assume since the if the council passes it, we'll give them a little more uh meat to go put something together. But again, you start it. This one says 33 00:08:42.240 --> 00:09:00.080 2010. So that means in five years, 2031 would be when we start impacting people, right? because you got to be 21 years old to buy cigarettes. I don't know what the rules are for vaping, but >> I know it's 21 for cigarettes. know in 21 years. of 2031 34 00:09:00.080 --> 00:09:15.680 would be when these take effect. But when the board of health puts together their policy like they're doing for body piercing council Ruby, they got to have a public hearing, you know, because you're going to get folks that sell tobacco products that aren't going to be excited about it and those that don't 35 00:09:15.680 --> 00:09:31.360 like tobacco products and they'll hear both sides and they'll come up with a a position. But right now, this is just, you know, you feel good, you say if you like it, you say, "Okay, we're going to support it." But it does commits the city to nothing at this point. 36 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:46.959 >> I don't know if that helps council Roby or not. >> Well, no. I guess I if the board of health actually proposes a policy and we know the language of the policy, then having a resolution in support of that to me would be the way to go. This is putting the cart before the horse. You 37 00:09:46.959 --> 00:10:02.080 You've got a whole bunch of language in here that you have no idea if will even be in their policy. I mean, it probably will be, but we don't know for sure. So, why don't you wait for them? It sounds like they want to have a policy. We have 38 00:10:02.080 --> 00:10:19.920 Mr. Dun Woody's letter uh asking us to support it, but there's no verbiage. There's no order from the board of health to have the language written up, to have the public hearing that's required, and the ability for us to know 39 00:10:19.920 --> 00:10:36.560 where the city if we care where the residents of the city stand or not. I mean, bring it back when in orders. >> I um I'll I'll share my intent as soon as I just bring out I just recently as 40 00:10:36.560 --> 00:10:51.440 you did uh councelor Roby, I did an awful lot of research on this and and what other towns have done and so forth. And then to address the issue of of those um libert libertarians out there, it it's not just um allowing them to do 41 00:10:51.440 --> 00:11:06.399 their own thing. In Massachusetts, cigarette smoking alone is estimated to cause cost more than 4.5 and 4.7 billion dollar in direct health care cost every year 42 00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:23.279 with approximately 1.5 billion of those costs paid through Mass Health or Medicare, which basically means that we all are paying for that for those um deaths or or those health health concerns. Speaking of deaths, last year 43 00:11:23.279 --> 00:11:39.839 approximately 9,300 Mass residents died from smoking related diseases. So my intent here was for this body to say that this is a a health concern. It's been a health concern for decades 44 00:11:39.839 --> 00:11:56.399 and we want to take a a stronger position and send it back. You're absolutely right. Send it has to go down to Department of Health. send it down to Department of Health with our best wishes and our support. Even though it's not it's not, you know, green in the 45 00:11:56.399 --> 00:12:13.360 sky, it's still it still carries some uh some I don't know, leverage, I guess, when they're trying to put their policy together. They'll know how we feel. So, I had a motion to accept the resolution. I The chair seconds it. All 46 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:31.120 those in favor? Opposed? The votes two to one. Entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> This public safety committee is adjourned at 7:02. 47 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:46.600 Thank you everyone. >> We didn't >> vote. >> We didn't vote. >> Oh, this is my first first public safety guy. So get be cautious on me. It's unanimous. Ajourned. Part: 2 1 00:00:42.640 --> 00:09:17.600 Heat. Heat. Come on. Come on. Hey. Hey. Hey. I'm coming back. Heat. Heat. Good evening. I will call to order the 2 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:34.320 finance committee meeting on June 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Uh we have two items on the agenda this evening. Uh we have a creatation of the Lazot Drive stabilization account and transfer request. Uh we also have a proposed 3 00:09:34.320 --> 00:09:52.560 non-UN salary ordinance for four positions. Um, I'll begin with um order number 26-1009765 uh creation of the Lazot Drive stabilization account and a transfer request in the amount of $200,000. 4 00:09:52.560 --> 00:10:09.120 Um, I'll begin by reading the letter submitted by the mayor. Uh, dear Council President Ozing and counselors enclosed for your review and approval. uh three transfer requests and an order establishing the creation of Lazot Drive stabilization account. Uh the first 5 00:10:09.120 --> 00:10:24.720 transfer request is in the amount of $50,000 from free cash to be moved into the fire station stabilization fund. Uh the second and third transfer requests are in the amount of $50,000 and $100,000 from free cash to be moved into 6 00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:42.160 an established uh Lazot Drive stabilization account. Uh these requests are in response to the monies which were given to the city as part of the conditions relating to special permit number 25-1009483E. Please do not hesitate to contact me or 7 00:10:42.160 --> 00:10:57.760 my office with any questions. Sincerely, Jay Christian Dumis mayor and um thank you Mr. Mayor for sending that down. I also want to thank Urban. I know Council Pillo, Council Osing was part of that getting that mitigation uh as well. So, that was really nice to 8 00:10:57.760 --> 00:11:15.040 have that into the uh in front of the councils to make that decision. Um, I'll open that up to the finance team for any questions or comments. >> Mr. Chair, Council Fill. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, no questions. I appreciated the conversation we had in 9 00:11:15.040 --> 00:11:32.399 urban affairs to secure this funding. Um, and so I'm going to take these up in a a handful of votes here. >> Yes. Okay. So, I'll start to move to approve the $50,000 transfer from free cash to the fire station stabilization fund. >> Very good. Motion's been made and seconded to approve the $50,000 transfer 10 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:49.279 request into the fire station stabilization account. Any further questions? Seeing none, all in favor? 1 2 3 4 5. That carries. Next, I'll be looking to entertain a motion to for the creation of the council. 11 00:11:49.279 --> 00:12:04.000 >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, move to approve the creation of the Lazot Drive stabilization account. >> Motion's been made and I will second that to approve the creation of the Lazot Drive stabilization account. Any further questions? Seeing none, all 12 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:22.000 in favor? 1 2 3 4 5. That carries. And then we have one more uh u to entertain a motion for the other 150,000. >> Mr. Chair, >> Council Fillo. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. move to approve the $50,000 and $100,000 transfer from free cash uh to the newly established 13 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:37.680 Lazot Drive stabilization account. >> Motion made and I will second that to approve the transfer request in the amount of $150,000 and $50,000 uh into the new newly created Lazot Drive stabilization account. Any further discussion? 14 00:12:37.680 --> 00:12:57.519 Seeing none, all in favor? One, two, three, four, five. That carries. Thank you, councelor. Moving on to the next item on the agenda uh is order number 26-1009765. Um I'm sorry 100 96-97D 15 00:12:57.519 --> 00:13:12.959 uh is attached salary ordinance for the following positions. City collector, assistant finance director, city collector, recreation director starting at step four and assistant recreation director. And I'll just briefly read the 16 00:13:12.959 --> 00:13:30.639 uh the brief uh letter from the mayor uh Dan Council of President Oing and counselors. Per your request at the finance committee meeting on Monday, June 1st. Attached, please find an updated annualized sevenstep salary ordinance for non-UN employees. Sincerely, Jay Christian Dumis mayor. Um 17 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:47.040 and again, thank you, Mr. Mayor, for sending that down to us in in a quick manner. That was very nice. Um, I also want to reiterate that these are this discussion will only be for these four positions. Um, which I know the last meeting that we had, we we obviously all 18 00:13:47.040 --> 00:14:04.399 supported uh the recreation director and the assistant director and we wanted to get that through. Uh, with that said, I will open it up for any comments. >> Motion to approve for discussion. >> Okay. And the motion. >> So, what does that mean? to approve 19 00:14:04.399 --> 00:14:20.079 these four if I may Mr. Chair through you to the councelor Oing because I knew that's why I made the motion for discussion and I will be glad to discuss it. >> Okay. So, so what we what we would be 20 00:14:20.079 --> 00:14:37.279 looking for Mr. Mr. President. >> So this is before us for discussion right now. You either make a motion to do something. You don't make a motion to discuss. The item is before the c the finance committee to discuss. Once you're done discussing, then you make a motion to do something. >> You can do it either way, Miss 21 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:54.160 Counselor. I've seen it done both ways. I don't see where the big problem is there. I've seen motions for discussion. I've seen motions after discussion. It doesn't matter. If you want to prove to me it's different in Robert's rules, feel free to do it. But I've been around a long time and I've seen it done both 22 00:14:54.160 --> 00:15:12.000 ways. >> Back to you, Mr. Chair. >> Is that your motion for discussion? >> Yes. >> Do I have a second? Second >> motion are made and second it to approve for discussion. Any further any further discussion? Council Fell. 23 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:27.440 >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to be clear. We're So So there's a motion. There's a motion to have discussion on this item. It is not a motion to approve what's in front of us. Correct. >> That that that is, >> Mr. Chair. My motion was to approve and for discussion. If I didn't say to 24 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:42.399 approve, I apologize. >> Okay. All right. I I apologize. >> And again, it's a motion. It's not saying >> it's just giving indication. I would like to have discussion. >> And I'll just give you just a little bit of where I'm coming from, too, because we did have a lengthy discussion on these positions. 25 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:58.079 >> What we would first have to do if we decided on this is we'd have to refer it to the city solicitor, put it in legal form. >> Then down the road, we'd have to vote on it as a council and then we still would have to advertise it. So, I don't know if we 26 00:15:58.079 --> 00:16:14.880 if we want to take that time of doing that when we can have an open discussion with it quickly and we can just have an open dialogue on this and then you can make a motion to at that point uh send it to legal if that's what we approve on >> and advertise >> and and oh would we advertise would be 27 00:16:14.880 --> 00:16:29.120 at a later time. >> Yep. Yep. >> Mr. President, point of information. So again, you need to discuss the item before you can make Well, you don't have to, but to make a motion to approve something, you don't know what you just said you're 28 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:45.279 approving. So I disagree with the concept. Discuss what's in front of the city counsel or the finance committee right now, the four s. Do you agree with the starting rates? Do you agree with the sevenstep process? Do you agree with the start time or the effective date of the ordinance? Go look at it. If 29 00:16:45.279 --> 00:17:00.320 everybody's good with it, then your motion would be appropriate. But no one's looked at anything yet. So, how can you make a motion to say we're good to go? I just it I it doesn't compute from what what I've learned on my years on the council. 30 00:17:00.320 --> 00:17:15.679 >> Council Mitchell, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. I I do uh echo the sentiment here from President Oing. I I I would much prefer that we have a conversation about this and then eventually move to send these to the solicitor to have them put in proper legal form so they can come back to the 31 00:17:15.679 --> 00:17:31.360 council so we can take a look. I mean, I'm um you know, I know we have a hearty discussion ahead of us about these four positions and so um you know, would be happy to kind of get into that, but I I don't think I'd be in favor of moving to to approve anything yet um before we have that conversation. 32 00:17:31.360 --> 00:17:46.799 >> Thank you, Council. So, motion has been seconded. I will take a vote. Uh motion's been made seconded by council vital. All in favor to to have a discussion. Okay, we can vote on that but I don't think >> one two that does that >> to have the discussion to because 33 00:17:46.799 --> 00:18:02.559 there's a motion to approve and have a >> discuss approve it's just for discussion motion to approve and discuss and then at the end I would ask that the final vote be taken you know I don't disagree I don't want to jump to the approval but I want to see discussion 34 00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:17.200 >> and that was the motion and I'll take the vote again all in favor to have the motion to for discussion and to approve All in favor? >> One. That does not count. >> Okay. Well, I guess we'll start in another step. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 35 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:32.720 >> That that's fine. Um so, so, so yes. So, so for the finance team, um as president Osing has mentioned that in our notes here, there is all the individual steps for each one of the city collector, uh city collector, recreation director, 36 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:48.720 assistant recreation director. Uh I also want to point out if you read it uh if we do approve this this would be for $40 per week and the effective date of the salary ordinance shall be August 1st 2026. Uh this ordinance shall supersede and 37 00:18:48.720 --> 00:19:05.200 replace any existing rate for said positions uh if applicable and in the current salary schedule. So President O. >> Thank you Mr. Chairman. So councils what I did was the mayor sent down in his June 4th he did what the finance 38 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:21.360 committee asked which is sevenst step for all 30 positions. All right in his March letter the priority is for four positions. The collector collector assistant finance director assistant recreation director and the 39 00:19:21.360 --> 00:19:38.640 recreation director. Those were the four priorities. So what what I did was I extracted what was on here to the last page of the agenda finance agenda. Just a one-page draft salary once. This is Mike Oing salary or not solicitor approved, not anything. But this is what 40 00:19:38.640 --> 00:19:55.679 I would recommend if the council agrees with the steps and the four positions that this gets referred to the city solicitor and I'm sure he can turn it around to have on our Monday agenda if the mayor thinks is of high enough priority because it has to 41 00:19:55.679 --> 00:20:11.120 come back to us in order to advertise and then if we advertise then we can vote. So we'd be able to vote on a July 22ndish meeting. All right. So, if the council agrees that they like the four 42 00:20:11.120 --> 00:20:28.080 positions, they like the four steps, 40 hours per week, effective date 81, this is what you'd be voting on, which then you can make that motion, council or I'd be tickled pink with that one to approve this to send it to the solicitor to put in proper format 43 00:20:28.080 --> 00:20:42.640 for us to advertise and then vote because we can't approve anything right now. Nothing's been advertised. All right? But you got to figure out what is it that you want to do. And the mayor has asked for four positions. These are the four. I did the homework. Otherwise, you're going to try to find 44 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:58.640 them on the seven step or the June 4th memo or letter on the council and you'll be trying to extract them and you'll struggle like I did, which is why I came up with a one-page easy one that says these are the four spots. >> Yep. >> Thank you, Mr. President. 45 00:20:58.640 --> 00:21:14.240 >> You're welcome. >> Any further discussion, >> Mr. Chair? Um, so we have attached to the finance committee meeting, I believe, what council oing just mentioned that first page >> that that's correct. 46 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:30.559 >> That is okay. I didn't know that was authored by counciling. So um, with that noted, we also have we received um the deltas on a 15step versus sevenst step. I don't know if everyone received that from the mayor, but yes, 47 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:46.640 >> I do have that. I had it open a minute ago, but I was looking for something. And um I think as we progress, I know we're only discussing four positions, and I don't want to in any way hinder 48 00:21:46.640 --> 00:22:02.640 the opportunity to have an attractive salary schedule. As noted before, my main concern is that we >> look at our employees and treat them the way you would expect to treat an employee working for a city this size. 49 00:22:02.640 --> 00:22:17.919 >> With that said, I know we don't need to debate that and but we debated it enough at the last meeting. >> Uh I do still prefer the 15 step. I think that gives an employee some future view of where they're going and it holds 50 00:22:17.919 --> 00:22:34.720 employees in my view. But I will again agree to the sevenst step at this time and hopefully we'll have further discussion down the road as it relates to the budget and the 15 step and how that relates to the retention of employees 51 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:50.799 >> and and and and again um as councelor Fill had mentioned at the finance committee uh a couple weeks ago uh we supported these positions and who knows if it came to the full council with the another 15 steps. It may have not 52 00:22:50.799 --> 00:23:05.760 carried >> or it could have carried. You don't know. Yeah. >> So, so, uh, this is a good way to at least get these four positions. Council vital. >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make, uh, the motion to send, uh, this last page along with the the, uh, notes at the bottom, 53 00:23:05.760 --> 00:23:22.320 the four the 40 hours per week and starting on August 1st, send this to the send this to the solicitor for proper uh, proper format and to advertise. >> Uh, I don't think we want to. Do we want to advertise just yet? Probably not. >> Yeah, >> Mr. Chair. So, you can't advertise yet 54 00:23:22.320 --> 00:23:38.880 because come back in proper format. >> Okay, good. >> Make the motion to send it to the solicitor to put it in proper format. >> Thank you. Thank Motion. Motion's been made and I will second that uh for order number 26-1009697D uh to refer to the city solici solicitor 55 00:23:38.880 --> 00:23:55.440 to put in legal form. Any further discussion? Councelor Roby. >> Thank you. Sorry I got here late. I had my times mixed up. Um, on the agenda for the order, it has that the recreation director starts at step four. There's nothing on the order that indicates 56 00:23:55.440 --> 00:24:13.279 that. Should that be there? >> I think the others are just not. >> So, >> but it was coun. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, so we can put it on there if you want, council Roby. Otherwise, I thought when it came back, we would just add that and say we want the rec recreation director to start at 57 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:28.000 step four. But if you want that that doesn't have to be a salary ordinance. That's just like any time the mayor wants to come down and adjust the starting step. We just agree to say we approve this and we're going to start it cuz the comproller may come back and 58 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:43.440 say, "Hey, the new finance dude, we need him to start at step something greater than one." And that's not a salary ordinance change. That's just a acknowledgement by the council that we say, "Okay, we're going to pay additional funds to start whatever the individuals at." 59 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:59.760 >> All right. Cuz on the order that has all of the positions listed in it, it does have a chart listing where people start. >> Yep. >> And it's part of the order. So I And I've seen past orders where it's specified if we're listing existing 60 00:24:59.760 --> 00:25:14.960 people, but we're bumping them up. So, I just don't don't I if the plan is to really have the recreation director start at step four. Um I suppose it it'll have to be budget 61 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:32.080 adjustment anyway. So, I don't know if that would impact it, but >> that's a good point, Council. Yeah. >> So, motion's been made and seconded to refer this to the city solicitor. Any further discussion? All in favor? One, two, three, four, five. That carries. I 62 00:25:32.080 --> 00:25:51.799 will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Mr. Chair, >> Council Fel. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Move to adjourn. >> Motion's been made and seconded to adjourn. All in favor? 1 2 3 4 5. We are journed at 6:46 p.m. Thank you. 63 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:33.679 Call the order. So, public safety committee. It is 6:50 p.m. We have one item on the agenda tonight. It's order number 26-1009773. A city council resolution in support of 64 00:29:33.679 --> 00:29:51.120 a nicot nicotine-free generation policy. And I'll read this very quickly, as quick as I can, that the resolution in support of nicotine-free generation policy be and is herewith referred to the public safety committee. Resolution in support 65 00:29:51.120 --> 00:30:07.279 of the nicotine-free generation policy. Whereas the city of Marble recognizes that nicotine addiction remains one of the leading preventable causes of illness, disease, and premature death in the United States. And whereas the use of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, vaping products, nicotine 66 00:30:07.279 --> 00:30:23.360 pouches, and other nicotine delivery systems have contributed to increased rates of cancer, heart disease, respiratory illness, substance dependency, and youth addiction. And whereas the city acknowledges the growing public health concerns associated with youth, vaping, and nicotine use, particularly among 67 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:40.080 adolescence and young adults. And whereas nicotine products are intentionally designed to create dependency and addiction, often beginning before adulthood. And whereas communities across the nation are exploring innovative public health strategies to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine 68 00:30:40.080 --> 00:30:57.120 products. And whereas the city of Marwood desires to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce long-term health care costs, improve public wellness, and protect future generations from nicotine addiction. Now, therefore, it is resolved that the city council of Marvel supports this creation of a fa of a 69 00:30:57.120 --> 00:31:13.760 phased nicotine-free generation policy designed to gradually eliminate the legal sale of nicotine and tobacco products to future generations of residents. Be it further resolved that any individual born on or after January 1st, 2010 shall permanently be 70 00:31:13.760 --> 00:31:30.240 prohibited from purchasing nicotine or tobacco products within the city of Marorrow once enabling ordinances and regulations are adopted. that this policy shall apply to all nicotine containing products including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, vape products, and electronic nicotine 71 00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:46.000 delivery systems, smokeless tobacco, nicotine pouches, and synthetic nicotine products. that the city shall implement the policy gradually in order to educate residents and retailers, provide smoking sensation resources, reduce youth nicotine addiction, support public 72 00:31:46.000 --> 00:32:01.600 health initiatives that the city encourages partnerships with local schools, healthc care providers, addiction recovery organizations, and community groups to educate residents about the dangers of nicotine addiction and to promote prevention and recovery services. that 73 00:32:01.600 --> 00:32:17.200 the city supports the expansion of smoking sensation programs, counseling services, and recovery support opportunities for residents seeking to overcome nicotine addiction. That the city clerk shall forward copies of this resolution to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, legal 74 00:32:17.200 --> 00:32:32.880 legislative representatives, the Marble Board of Health, and other appropriate agencies for review and considerations. Be it further resolved that this resolution represents the city's commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations and creating a healthier future for youth of 75 00:32:32.880 --> 00:32:49.360 Marbor. Along with that resolution submitted by councelor Vital. Along with that resolution was a letter of support from the director of public health here in Marorrow, Paul Denwittle, who um I'm not going to read this 76 00:32:49.360 --> 00:33:05.120 entire, but he's very much in favor of this resolution. And then also a a student over at the Advanced Math and Science Academy. She she is the president of a a club called the the 84 movement, which is a state uh initiative 77 00:33:05.120 --> 00:33:22.480 uh to the public schools uh trying to to uh eliminate nicot nicotine in all forms. And so she sent a letter of support as well. Um I would entertain a motion to accept the resolution. >> So moved. 78 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:37.679 >> The committee. >> Oh, I thought you wanted to accept a motion. >> Yes, Ka. >> I move to accept the resolution. >> Thank you. The resolution a motion to accept the resolution has been seconded. All those in favor? Um >> discussion? May we have discussion 79 00:33:37.679 --> 00:33:53.279 first? Yes, councelor. >> Thank Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, sorry. >> Admirable for what this does bring as a resolution. Uh, I am not in support of the resolution. And the biggest reason for me is I still believe it's an 80 00:33:53.279 --> 00:34:10.879 intrusion on adult's ability to exercise personal responsibility and individual libert liberty. And even though I am fully aware that I know that cigarette smoke is a carcinogen, um I just do not believe um that that it is our position 81 00:34:10.879 --> 00:34:26.800 to have this uh have this resolution. Um but that is certainly my opinion. I'll leave it at that. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, councelor. >> Councelor Roby. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I I also have the same concerns, but I also am curious, and I did not talk to the 82 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:41.760 solicitor, but I'm not sure what a resolution like this actually does. I could see if the board of health had a policy which they could then enforce or the city council had an ordinance which could then be enforced that would be 83 00:34:41.760 --> 00:34:57.599 different. So, I wasn't sure if your idea was to be in support of the board of health having a policy, which it doesn't sound like they have talked about in detail. I know they're working on a body 84 00:34:57.599 --> 00:35:12.480 people >> policy. Um, so exactly what do you think this if this gets approved and I say if it only takes six votes and I've been surprised on resolutions exactly how 85 00:35:12.480 --> 00:35:28.480 will it get enforced because there's no law with it. >> Very good. Would you like to comment? >> Well, if I may, first of all, I would like to apologize. I'm not on your committee, so I realize what am I doing 86 00:35:28.480 --> 00:35:44.640 anyways? Um, I would like to comment on that and I see this as a resolution. I think the most important part that's in here is the fact that it's getting referred to the local Marbor board of health and I agree that this resolution I'm in favor of it. As you know, I 87 00:35:44.640 --> 00:35:59.119 motioned without even being on the committee. Uh, but I'm in favor of this and this is just not Marble that's doing this. There's 25 communities right now that have done it, including the city of Newton. Uh but I see the need. I 88 00:35:59.119 --> 00:36:17.280 understand uh trying to change things as difficult. Tobacco has always been a difficult area for change. But I in the respect of what's being sold here, I find tobacco is a poison and it can poison our children. And if we start 89 00:36:17.280 --> 00:36:34.240 looking at changing when or not when but when someone turns a certain age it should be noted that we're really not doing the best for our community. Uh but I would because this resolution I believe doesn't really 90 00:36:34.240 --> 00:36:51.440 create any legislation. Uh I agree that it should be passed by the Marbor Board of Health for their decision and regulations. With that said, thank you, Mr. Chair, and sorry I interrupted on a motion. >> That's quite okay, Council. Councelor 91 00:36:51.440 --> 00:37:08.480 Ruby, before I mention what my intent is, excuse me, M. Councelor Aing. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, I'll just remind councilors and we've kind of touched on it. A resolution is just the expression of an opinion pres present an intent or conclusion of a legislative 92 00:37:08.480 --> 00:37:24.640 determined fact. So, there's no teak. This is just, you know, I want to paint the sky green. Okay, we can pass a resolution to say that, right? So, that's all this does. It doesn't commit us to anything. It just says the council's on board. Councelor Roby and Councelor Ormma are correct. The board 93 00:37:24.640 --> 00:37:42.079 of health needs to take some act just like we banned Kraken or what Kraton, >> you know, they got to pass an ordinance or a a rule that says we're going to enforce this. the board of health took it up in 2024. Uh there was some push 94 00:37:42.079 --> 00:37:57.520 back. It didn't go anywhere. This would I would assume since the if the council passes it, we'll give them a little more uh meat to go put something together. But again, you start it, this one says 95 00:37:57.520 --> 00:38:15.359 2010. So that means in 5 years, 2031 would be when we start impacting people, right? because you got to be 21 years old to buy cigarettes. I don't know what the rules are for vaping, but >> I know it's 21 for cigarettes. So in 21 years, so 2031 96 00:38:15.359 --> 00:38:30.880 would be when these take effect. But when the board of health puts together their policy like they're doing for body piercing council ruby, they got to have a public hearing, you know, because you're going to get folks that sell tobacco products are not going to be excited about it. And those that don't 97 00:38:30.880 --> 00:38:46.800 like tobacco products and they'll hear both sides and they'll come up with a a position. But right now, this is just, you know, you feel good, you say if you like it, you say, "Okay, we're going to support it." But it does commits the city to nothing at this point. I don't 98 00:38:46.800 --> 00:39:02.079 know if that helps council Roby or not. >> Well, no. I guess I if the board of health actually proposes a policy and we know the language of the policy, then having a resolution in support of that to me would be the way to go. This is putting the cart before the horse. you 99 00:39:02.079 --> 00:39:17.200 you've got a whole bunch of language in here that you have no idea if will even be in their policy. I mean, it probably will be, but we don't know for sure. So, why don't you wait for them? It sounds like they want to have a policy. We have 100 00:39:17.200 --> 00:39:35.119 Mr. Duny's letter uh asking us to support it, but there's no verbiage. There's no order from the board of health to have the language written up to have the public hearing that's required and the ability for us to know 101 00:39:35.119 --> 00:39:51.920 where the city if we care where the residents of the city stand or not. I mean bring it back when in orders. I um I'll I'll share my intent as soon as I just bring out I just recently as you 102 00:39:51.920 --> 00:40:06.880 did uh councelor Roby I did an awful lot of research on this and and what other towns have done and so forth and then to address the issue of of of those um libert libertarians out there. It it's not just um allowing them to do their 103 00:40:06.880 --> 00:40:21.599 own thing. In Massachusetts, cigarette smoking alone is estimated to cause cost more than 4.5 and 4.7 billion in direct health care cost every year 104 00:40:21.599 --> 00:40:38.320 with approximately 1.5 billion of those costs paid through Mass Health or Medicare, which basically means that we all are paying for that for those um deaths or or those health health concerns. Speaking of deaths, last year 105 00:40:38.320 --> 00:40:54.880 approximately 9,300 Mass residents died from smoking related diseases. So my intent here was for this body to say that this is a a health concern. It's been a health concern for decades 106 00:40:54.880 --> 00:41:11.520 and we want to take a a stronger position and send it back. You're absolutely right. Send it has to go down to Department of Health. send it down to Department of Health with our best wishes and our support. Even though it's not it's not, you know, green in the 107 00:41:11.520 --> 00:41:28.400 sky, it's still it still carries some uh some I don't know, leverage, I guess, when they're trying to put their policy together. They'll know how we feel. So, I had a motion to accept the resolution. I The chair seconds it. All 108 00:41:28.400 --> 00:41:46.160 those in favor? Opposed? The votes two to one. Entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> This public safety committee is adjourned at 7:02. 109 00:41:46.160 --> 00:42:01.640 Thank you everyone. >> We didn't >> vote. >> We didn't vote. >> Oh, this is my first first public safety guy. So get be cautious on me. It's unanimous. Ajourned.