Continuing that trend, parks director Jim Ballew said at a City Council work session Sept. 8 that his staff is recommending banning electronic smoking devices in parks.

The council will vote on the measure Sept. 14. The Snohomish Health District would provide signage if the measure passes.

“We are listening to a lot of science on these devices,” Ballew said. “We can’t control the second-hand environment.”

He said some people just put water in the devices, but others put tobacco, marijuana, meth or heroin.

“There’s no way we can control what’s in those devices,” he said.

Ballew said at summer outdoor events this year “people would start to disband” when others were using the devices.

He said the city didn’t receive many complaints when it banned smoking in parks, and Arlington has not received any complaints about banning e-cigarettes.

Also, scientific research concludes that electronic cigarettes emit harmful chemicals and need to be regulated in the same manner as tobacco smoking.

“Electronic smoking device” means an electronic or battery-operated device, the use of which resembles smoking, that can be used by a person to simulate smoking through inhalation of vapor or aerosol produced by the device and includes any component part of such product whether or not sold separately. “Electronic smoking device” includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette, an electronic cigar, an electronic cigarillo, an electronic pipe and an electronic hookah.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says youth e-cigarette use tripled between 2013 and 2014. The resolution says the use of e-cigarettes is not consistent with the healthful, wholesome atmosphere that city parks should offer residents.

Council Member Donna Wright said statistics show smoking overall has actually increased with the use of vaping.

Ballew said when these devices first came out, people were using them to stop smoking. Now, “It’s a gateway to tobacco use” for middle schoolers on up, he added.

Another item on Monday’s agenda is a Safe Routes to School Project at Marshall Elementary. About $315,000 would come from the state Department of Transportation and $235,000 from local Transportation Board District funds.

A similar project is planned for Cedar to State on Grove. It would include pedestrian and bike improvements across the railroad tracks. About $413,249 would come from grants and $34,523 from local dollars.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1049 State.

Meanwhile, at the work session, Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen said the city received $413,249 in grants to purchase software so it can change a process from paper to computers. The work has been done by hand. “It will save a bunch of time and efficiencies,” he said.

Mayor Jon Nehring added, “It’s nice to see all the grant money coming in.”

Nielsen also said all the summer paving projects are done.

“That’s earlier than last year because of all the great weather,” Nehring said.

Police Chief Rick Smith said crime was down in August, when there usually is an uptick, he said. He added that at a recent assembly, the school resource officers received a standing ovation.

“It’s nice to see our community came together,” he said, especially considering what’s going on nationally toward law enforcement.

Fire Chief Martin McFalls said he’s happy to be in his new position. He said his workers were busy with the recent windstorm, as the department received 109 calls. His crews were out there with chainsaws, working with the PUD.

Nielsen said some people were without power for 53 hours. He added by the end of the month the speed limit on Ingraham near Marysville Getchell High School will increase to 35 mph.

Ballew said residents worked with the city to create a plan to improve Tuscany Ridge Park. He also said the Spray Park will be open weekends as long as the weather is good.

Council Member Jeff Vaughan said he is excited about the new Qwuloolt Estuary.

“That was more exciting than when the Kingdome went down,” he said.

He said that estuary being so close to an urban area could bring economic development.

Vaughan said he understands the potential personally because he took up kayaking this year.

“If developed right it could attract people here,” he said.