Staff proposes code clean-up: remove cigarette-vending machine rule, review dance permit rules, and repeal dormant cable commission

Rachel, a city staff member working through the municipal code, told the council she is auditing older sections and recommended three changes: repeal the provision governing cigarette vending machines (which state law now prohibits), repeal or revise a section of the code that restricts minors (15 and under) from public dances without an adult guardian present and requires police-provided security for dances, and remove a dormant cable communications commission provision that the city no longer operates. Rachel said cigarette vending machines have been illegal under state law for some time and the city's provision is a relic. She asked the council to authorize removing the code language. On dance permits, Rachel proposed removing the line that bans children 15 and younger from public dances without a parent or guardian present and said schools and religious organizations are already exempt; she noted the existing language also requires security provided by police and that Sergeant Ronning had indicated the department would prefer removing that requirement. Rachel also asked council to remove a now-inactive cable commission that was created years ago to regulate local cable access and run a local public channel; the commission has not been active nor has the city operated a cable-access channel. Council members expressed support for the housekeeping work and asked staff to bring full ordinance language for formal consideration. Rachel said she would continue reviewing the code and return proposed ordinance language in a future meeting. No formal vote was taken; staff will draft ordinance language and return it to council for the required legislative hearing process.