STAFF TO RESEARCH SMOKING ORDINANCE
WHAT HAPPENED
Council members directed staff to consult local restaurants on a
possible ordinance to restrict smoking in outdoor seating areas on
public property.
WHAT IT MEANS
Although the council will revisit the issue, there did not seem to
be support to ban smoking in outdoor seating areas. Council members
were concerned with passing an ordinance that would allow people to
smoke while walking down the street, but not while sitting at a table
on the same sidewalk. Staff will consult local restaurant executives
to get their input, and bring the matter back to the council.
VOTE
There was no vote.
COUNCIL APPROVES HELICOPTER MAINTENANCE FUND
WHAT HAPPENED
The council created a fund for maintenance of the Police
Department's helicopters.
WHAT IT MEANS
Instead of paying for maintenance as needed, the city will set
aside $95,000 for helicopter maintenance each year, and pay for
maintenance out of the new fund. Some years the city spends more
money on maintenance, others less, but the fund will provide
stability in the budget.
VOTE
The council voted 5-0 in favor of the new fund.
