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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-675-11.17.2025_Extending_Tobacco_Moratorium.docDocusign Envelope ID: DA39AF30-5238-4302-A798-AC1707986064 Prepared by LeAnn M. Even, Deputy City Clerk, City of Waterloo, 715 Mulberry Street, Waterloo, IA 50703, (319) 291-4323. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-675 RESOLUTION EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF NEW TOBACCO PERMITS IN THE CITY OF WATERLOO, BLACK HAWK COUNTY, IOWA UNTIL MAY 5, 2026. WHEREAS the City of Waterloo, Iowa, recognizes the need to carefully regulate the sale of tobacco products, including vapor products, to address public health concerns and the well-being of its residents; and, WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is necessary to review and potentially amend existing policies and regulations regarding the issuance of tobacco permits to address these concerns effectively; and, WHEREAS, the city seeks to understand the long-term public health implications and ensure appropriate zoning and distancing standards for businesses selling tobacco products; and, WHEREAS, the implementation of a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new tobacco permits will provide sufficient time for the City Council and relevant departments to conduct a thorough review and develop any necessary amendments to current regulations; and, WHEREAS, the City Council, on May 19, 2025, adopted Resolution No. 2025-311 declaring a moratorium on the issuance of new tobacco permits through December 1, 2025; and, WHEREAS, City staff have been meeting with a committee of interested parties to discuss potential changes to the regulations and City of Waterloo Zoning Ordianance as it pertains to the issuance of new tobacco permits and the sale of tobacco products, but potential amendments to the regulations and Ordinance have not yet been finalized. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, that: 1. The moratorium declared by Resolution No. 2025-311 on the issuance of new tobacco permits within the City limits of Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa is hereby extended and shall remain in effect, said extension effective immediately upon the signature and approval of the Mayor. 2. "New tobacco permit" means: a. A permit for a business location that does not hold a current, valid permit as of the date of this Resolution; b. A permit for a new or additional business location of an existing permittee; or c. A permit sought after a lapse, revocation, or surrender of a prior permit at the same location. 3. This moratorium does not prohibit: a. Renewal of current, valid permits for the same legal entity at the same business location without lapse; b. Changes to business names or corporate structure that do not constitute a transfer prohibited by state law; or Docusign Envelope ID: DA39AF30-5238-4302-A798-AC1707986064 Resolution No. 2023-675 Page 2 c. City enforcement actions, penalties, suspensions, or revocations otherwise authorized by law. 4. The City Clerk shall decline to accept or process applications falling within the definition of "new tobacco permit" during the moratorium period and shall return any tendered fees. 5. This moratorium aims to provide time for comprehensive analysis and review of existing ordinances and policies regarding the sale and permitting of tobacco products, in order to ensure public health and safety. 6. This extended moratorium shall remain in effect until May 5, 2026, unless extended or rescinded by the City Council prior to that date. 7. The Planning and Zoning Department is directed with conducting a detailed study on the impact of tobacco sales on community health and to provide recommendations to the City Council for potential regulatory changes, and presenting their findings and recommendations to the City Council, and propose amendments forthwith. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of November 2025. .-DocuSigned by: ATTEST: Signed by: rr6013COrroCC4AD... Kelley Felchle, City Clerk SEAL q DO a2tD7-8AC8449... Quentin Hart, Mayor