The Minot Park Board voted unanimously Tuesday to install new signage reinforcing a no tobacco policy in events centers and around areas where children congregate.

Two signs advising no smoking or tobacco allowed in concessions or bleacher areas will be installed in the Jack Hoeven Baseball Complex, along with one additional tobacco-free zone sign. They also recommended adding two tobacco-free zone/no smoking signs at the Roosevelt Park Zoo, in addition to the one that is already there; adding a larger tobacco-free zone/no smoking sign to the Oak Park splash pad area and one tobacco-free zone/no smoking sign at the Jack Hoeven Wee Links. The cost of eight new signs is estimated at approximately $400.

Park board commissioners indicated that smoking is not being banned in the parks but they want reminders not to smoke in areas where there are children. There are already a number of the signs up in the events areas, including tobacco-free zone signs in the Maysa Arena, a no smoking sign on the Roosevelt Pool deck, and a sign banning consumption of food or beverages and smoking in the Oak Park splash pad area. "Typical" park signs in most parks except the Bark Park advise visitors that pets are allowed in parks on a leash, no alcohol is allowed, and that the park closes at 11 p.m.

Commissioner Robert Petry questioned why the skate park rules sign bans smoking, alcohol, and other controlled substances. Commissioner Ron Bieri said this was based on warning signs at skate parks in other cities. Petry said this sign seems to be singling out the skate board park and said it is common to see alcohol cans strewn about the Maysa Arena after an event. He suggested that a new sign be installed just banning smoking and declaring the area a tobacco- free zone. No action was taken on Petry's suggestion and he said after the meeting that he probably won't bring it up again but thinks the sign could be changed.

Board members also appointed an ad hoc committee to discuss concessions offered at facilities owned by the parks.

Commissioner Connie Feist and Bieri seemed to favor of hiring a consultant who could offer suggestions on how the park system could maximize the earning potential of concessions. The issue has been discussed in the past but the money designated for the consultant in a previous year's budget was spent elsewhere. Concessions are offered at locations such as the Roosevelt Park Zoo, the Maysa Arena, Roosevelt Park Pool, the Souris Valley Golf Course, baseball park and soccer complex, but some commissioners feel that it could be more of a moneymaker.

Petry said he isn't sure what the solution is, but he isn't inclined to hire a consultant.

"I think we're smart enough to do it locally," he said.

A committee will be formed to look at the issue and report back at the next meeting.