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that these types of businesses have an age requirement for individuals entering the premises. She was not in support of allowing any new tobacco stores. Commissioner Balch asked, and Ms. Seto confirmed that the age limit to enter a tobacco shop was 18- years old, or the individual must be accompanied by an adult. Commissioner Allen suggested treating tobacco shops and retailers the same. Commissioner O'Connor opined that tobacco stores and tobacco retailers were essentially the same and should be treated as such. He stated such a small number of retailers would be affected therefore it would not make much of an impact to grandfather them. In addition, it would then invite those individuals from surrounding cities to purchase tobacco products from locations within the City. Commissioner Balch clarified that 5-6 retailers were within the school buffer and 18-22 retailers were within 1,000 feet of parks and recreational facilities. Commissioner Balch inquired about Commissioner O'Connor's previous comment regarding the limited number of tobacco retailers who would be affected if exempted, stating if there are 18-22 tobacco retailers within the 1,000-foot buffer who are affected, it equates to half of the tobacco retailers within the City. Commissioner O'Connor agreed that it is a larger number than he had just noted. However, he stated he doesn't feel that allowing existing retailers to continue to operate will result in change because it won't stop the sale of tobacco products, it will just prevent tobacco sales from being more widespread. He continued by stating that tobacco sales need to be eliminated in order to achieve the desired change and make an impact. He recommended implementing regulations on vaping similar to the surrounding cities. Ms. Clark explained that tobacco stores would require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in all zones, which might be a mechanism to reduce such stores. Commissioner Balch suggested reviewing the sting operations to determine whether conditions of CUPs had been enforced. He suggested implementing tobacco retail licenses throughout the City and a citywide ban on e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco sales. He further stated he is disheartened that the City hasn't been at the forefront of this topic to date. Additionally, he stated grandfathering would not make the desired change, as it would prevent the situation from getting worse but wouldn't make it better; if grandfathering were permitted, then "going dark", tobacco retail license, and a two-strike consequence must be implemented as a requirement, and tobacco shops not excluded. Commissioner O'Connor suggested a one-year transition period if grandfathering was not permitted. Commissioner Balch discussed the location of parks throughout the City, therefore, impacting more retailers. Commissioner Allen asked Commissioner Balch if he would still encourage "going dark" if licensing was not implemented. Excerpt: Draft Planning Commission Minutes, January 15, 2020 Page 6 of 9