Majority of public responses not in favor of age verification log

by Derrick Williams
Thisweek Newspapers

Lakeville’s City Council tabled discussion on Oct. 19 regarding a possible change to the city’s tobacco ordinance that would institute an age verification log on purchases of tobacco-related devices such as pipes and papers.

The move to table discussion came after a report from Sgt. Timothy Knutson that provided the results of a 60-day comment period during which public opinion on the potential change was gathered.

Knutson said 12 public responses were received and, of those, nine weren’t in favor of the age verification log, which would require tobacco-device purchasers to provide proof of age as well as signature of a register that included a name, address and phone number that would be given to the Lakeville Police Department.

“We’re looking at 75 percent of respondents who don’t want us to do that,” Knutson said.

Council Member Mark Bellows called the proposed ordinance change well intentioned, but said it’s clear the public isn’t interested.

“I do not understand why we’re investing more time in this,” he said.

Bellows was the lone council member who voted against tabling discussion.

Mayor Holly Dahl said the council needs more time to digest the ordinance and public comments.

The most common negative comment about the new ordinance, Knutson said, was that the log would be a violation of privacy.

“This is America. Police shouldn’t keep records of consumers of legal products,” one comment said.

There is no timetable for the City Council to readdress the topic.

Other news

• The council approved resolutions amending gas franchise agreements with Minnesota Energy Resources and Centerpoint Energy that reduce the terms of the agreements from 25 to 20 years.

The move also allows the city of Lakeville to impose a franchise fee, which could provide a source of revenue for the city.

Both Centerpoint and MERC approved the changes.

• The City Council approved the certification of nearly $200,000 in delinquent water, sewer and other utility charges to the county to be collected with property taxes.

There are 825 accounts that are delinquent.

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