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RESOLUTION NO. 4 4 7 5
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
AUBURN, WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL TO PROCLAIM A"FOR OUR KIDS - TOBACCO
FREE PARKS" EDUCATION PROGRAM IN THE CITY OF
AUBURN PARKS
WHEREAS, scientific research shows that environmental tobacco smoke,
also known as second-hand smoke, is a contributing factor to lung cancer,
cardiovascular disease and emphysema in the non-smoker; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) as a Group A humans carcinogen, a
category which includes only the most potent cancer causing agents, like
benzene, vinyl chloride, asbestos and arsenic; and
WHEREAS, each year, because of exposure to secondhand smoke, an
estimated 3,000 nonsmoking Americans die of lung cancer, and 150,000 to
300,000 children suffer from lower respiratory tract infections; and
WHEREAS, the simple separation of smokers and nonsmokers within the
same airspace may reduce, but does not eliminate the exposure of the
nonsmoker to secondhand smoke; and
WHEREAS, all City public buildings and the Auburn School District
facilities are smoke free and the City of Auburn recognizes its role in protecting
the health of the general public and safety of outdoor public areas, it is our duty
to educate our citizens on the perils of tobacco use; and
Resolution No. 4475
April 21, 2009
Page 1 of 3
WHEREAS, The City has received many calls complaining that individuals
are smoking in and around playgrounds, trails and ball-fields and refuse to move
away when asked; and
WHEREAS, children's vulnerability to ETS and the difficulty they have in
protecting themselves from a threat imposed by adults, places the burden of
reducing or eliminating ETS exposure on adults in protective capacities; and
WHEREAS. The City operates many parks and outdoor events
throughout the greater Auburn area and encourages use of each facility in a safe
and healthy manner; and all park use policies are recommended by the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Board which has recommended an educational
campaign in cooperation with Public Health - Seattle King County and Pierce
County Health District requesting park patrons to not smoke or use tobacco
products near park playgrounds, picnic shelters, ball fields, trails and other high
use areas by the installation of "For the Kids - Tobacco Free Parks" signage;
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, IN A REGULAR MEETING DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREWITH
RESOLVES THAT:
Section 1. The Mayor and City Council proclaim June 19, 2009,
KidsDay, as the kick-off date of the "For Our Kids - Tobacco Free Parks"
education program in an effort to protect children from the harmful effects of
environmental tobacco smoke.
Section 2. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon
passage and signatures hereon.
Resolution No. 4475
April 21, 2009
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DATED and SIGNED this ~ day of May, 2009.
CITY OF AUBURN
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PETER B. LE IS
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Danieile E. Daskam,
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Daniel B. Heid,
City Attorney
Resolution No. 4475
April 21, 2009
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