11/12/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e- Ms. Smith stated she hopes the council will be establishing an educational campaign. She thinks the basic thrust is good but does not think it can be enforced. Regarding enforcement, Mr. Lieuallen stated that experience in other cities shows that enforcement is not a problem. This would give non-smokers leverage to protect their well-being. He does not wish to commit financial resources on any great scale--that would not make sense. Encouraging others creates an opportunity to solicit non-smoking. If the public rebels, it will be unen- forceab 1 e. Ms. Schue stated she had discussed this with a laundromat owner who said he would put up a second sign stating the process to file a complaint. Ms. Miller stated that there are a variety of ordinances on the books which not much time is spent enforcing. Saying it is unenforceable is simplistic. It would be similar to parking. Any citizen can call the City Prosecutor. Resources should not need to be tied up in enforcement. This is a matter of providing choices and options and leaves dividing up areas to people in charge of facilities. Mr. Delay stated that some people say smoking causes cancer and others say those who smoke would have gotten cancer anyway. He was frustrated to see how. people in the tourism and convention business have responded. He feels this ordinance would be good for public relations. The basic issue is not restricting smokers e but providing a choice for those who do not. He thinks it would be good to have signs posted at every retail business stating if smoking is allowed or not. Mr. Obie stated that he does not think people have read this ordinance. It does provide an opportunity for those who do not smoke and he does not find it restrictive. He feels it is in the best interest of the community. Mr. Sercombe said that this council bill would be amended to change the word "gatherings" to "areas" in Subsection i and to change the last three words in that subsection from "these smoking prohibitions" to "this subsection." Council consensus was in agreement regarding these changes. Ms. Schue stated she is very satisfied with the results and this is another example indicating that Eugene citizens like to participate. She would like to see this ordinance made stronger. She is interested in the convention business and supports their efforts. If this items turns out to be a big problem, it can be brought back. She would like to see it passed, tried, and see how it works. Ms. Smith thanked Councilors Obie and Schue and indicated she would support the motion. CB 2212--An ordinance prohibiting smoking in certain areas open to the public; and adding Sections 6.225, 6.230, and 6.235 to the Eugene Code, 1971; and amending Section 6.990 of that code. 4' MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 12, 1980 Page 7