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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02/10/2015

Contact: 
Carolyn Marinan, Public Affairs, 612-348-5969

News release

County board actions for Feb. 10

Board votes to ban electronic smoking 

Hennepin County has enacted a ban on electronic cigarettes that is more restrictive than state law. The policy, approved by the board on Tuesday, prohibits the use of electronic delivery devices (EDD, electronic cigarettes) in all indoor spaces where the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act is in effect. State law covers some, but not all indoor places. The ordinance will take effect March 10, 2015.

Cities and counties may choose to enact additional restrictions on tobacco and electronic cigarette use in outdoor city parks, outdoor seating areas at restaurants and other locations where these uses are permitted under state law.

The board held a public hearing on the changes to Hennepin County Ordinance Number 24 – Smoke Free at the Health and Human Services Committee of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, January 13, 2015.

County plans for 9-1-1 back-up access in emergencies 

A backup telephone system will ensure that emergency calls always will reach 911 dispatchers in Hennepin County. In partnership with the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board (MESB), the county has set up a shared/hosted next generation 9-1-1 telephone answering system. It was jointly purchased and will be used by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center, the City of Edina Police Department, Hennepin Healthcare System, and Allina Health Systems. The system will be hosted at the Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Facility in Plymouth, with a redundant backup system at the Hennepin County Government Center. The board approved a contract with the Zayo Group, LLC to provide redundant fiber paths to ensure access to 911 dispatchers.

Board appoints members to citizen advisory boards

For the Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council they appointed Rolanda DeShield to the at large position; Elizabeth (Lisa) Childs and Char Coal to consumer positions; Kathleen Oganovic, Patricia Croal, Atashi Acharya and Jackie Adair to family member positions; and Maisha Giles and Debbie Paine to Mental Health Provider positions. 

To the Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin County Board they reappointed Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Mary Brindle and Marvin Johnson.

To the Human Resources Board they appointed Anthony Untiedt, Angelines Pabon, and Jesse Winkler. The decision on the fourth appointment was laid over to the next board meeting.

The board also appointed Gene Kay to the Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners.

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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.