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RTC#03-104

March 25, 2003

SUBJECT:

Status Report on the Downtown Smoking Policy Issue - Information Only

REPORT IN BRIEF

In accordance with City Council direction regarding the Downtown public smoking issue, staff has continued cooperative efforts with the Chamber of Commerce and the Sunnyvale Downtown Association to eliminate the litter of cigarette butts and other smoking materials in the Downtown Area.

BACKGROUND

Council approved a 2002 Study issue regarding the subject on December 7, 2001 and has discussed the issue on numerous occasions. The previous October 10, 2002 status report to Council outlined details of a September 19, 2002 meeting of the Directors of Public Works and Community Development and several business representatives from the downtown area who participated in a very candid discussion of the different aspects of the public smoking issue.

EXISTING POLICY

Community Design Sub Element Goal D: Provide Public Facilities, which are accessible, attractive and add to the enjoyment of the physical environment

DISCUSSION

Actions that have taken place since the October 10, 2002 status report are as follows:

  1. Twenty-five informational signs (See Attachments A, B, & C) have been discretely placed in the downtown landscape areas to encourage Citizens to use ashtrays. In addition, eight (8) ashtray receptacles were installed in the more frequently used smoking areas of Downtown.
  2. On February 6, 2003, the Chairman of the Sunnyvale Downtown Association sent a letter (Attachment D) to all of the Association members requesting their cooperation to keep downtown clean.
  3. At the City Council Outreach Session on February 20, 2003, the Downtown Association discussed a number of issues regarding smoking in the downtown area.  The Association would not support a ban on public smoking.  The Association did suggest that future Use Permits for outdoor tables could include a condition requiring ashtrays/receptacles.

In general, the Association is very satisfied with the enhanced daily Cleaning efforts (Now seven days per week) by Public Works field crews.

In conclusion, the increased maintenance levels authorized by the City Council on April 23, 2002 along with the additional signs and the cooperation of both the Chamber of Commerce and the Sunnyvale Downtown Association, have been very effective in addressing the litter created by the outdoor smoking issue in the downtown area.

FISCAL IMPACT

Project 820610 Downtown Area Maintenance was increased by the City Council for FY 2002-2003 from $40,000 to $90,000 to support daily landscape and clean-up activities.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office. Notice of the City Council Meeting was also provided to the Sunnyvale Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce

RECOMMENDATION

This is a status report only and staff is not recommending Council action at this time.
Prepared by:
John Hopkins
Public Works Manager
Reviewed by:
Marvin Rose
Director of Public Works

Robert Paternoster
Director of Community Development

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager

Attachments
  1. Sign Photograph
  2. Sign Photograph
  3. Sign Photograph
  4. Copy of Sunnyvale Downtown Association letter dated February 6, 2003

 

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