MARYSVILLE – The City Council will decide at its meeting Sept. 8 if it will ban electronic smoking in city parks.

Parks and Recreation staff is recommending prohibiting Vaping devices and electronic cigarettes. The current law bans smoking and tobacco use.

Parks and law enforcement continue to receive complaints from the public that such devices have similar second-hand effects. Also, scientific research concludes that electronic cigarettes emit harmful chemicals and need to be regulated in the same manner as tobacco smoking.

The Snohomish Health District supports the prohibition.

“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.

Another item on Tuesday’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. Improvements from just east of State on 116th to 47th would include: pavement, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, planter strips, bike lanes, safety beacons and street lighting.

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.