Loading...
05/03/2005 Minutes I I I OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION May 3, 2005 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall, lOO East First Street, on May 3, 2005. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on April 27, 2005. Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and Haase. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Gary Greer, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director David Springer, Public Works Director Steve Riehle, and City Attorney Doug Walker Mayor Communication: Mayor Vavricek commented on the following: . Wasmer Elementary Schooll st Grade "Thank Y ou's" . City/County Efficiency Committee - two representative's from City Council needed . Citizens' Review Committee - Tom Ward relocation and resignation . Heartland Events Center funds to finish facility to be decided by the County . Tourism Month - Cornhusker State Trap Shoot meet to be held in Doniphan on Thursday, May 5, 2005 Presentation by Central District Health Department Concerning a Smoking Ban. Mayor Vavricek commented on the community forums provided by the Central District Health Department (CDHD) and the public input that was gathered. Mr. Vavricek stated the public input part of the process was over and the Council would need to provide direction on this matter. Introduced was Teresa Anderson, Executive Director of the Central District Health Department (CDHD) who presented a report concerning their findings from community discussions and forums regarding a smoking ban and the effects of Second Hand Smoke (SHS). The following recommendations were submitted by CDHD: . CDHD officials recommend to the Grand Island City Council that the Council actively pursue policy that assures smoke-free environments particularly in places where children would be exposed, in workplaces and indoor public areas, and in all governmental facilities and vehicles. . CDHD officials also recommend that the Council and all involved in policy change be alert to the several current legislative bills related to SHS. Tracking these bills will serve useful. Because it is a health issue, it is likely that enforcement may fall to CDHD Environmental Division. CDHD offers to work closely with the Council to develop policy that is comprehensive, enforceable, and fair. I I I Page 2, City Council Study Session, May 3, 2005 Ryan King, Assistant Director of the CDHD commented on the Clean Indoor Air Act. The CDHD Councilmember Hornady commented that there was no consensus with any group in our community or other communities and recommended the supporters of this issue use the petition process to move forward. Discussion was held concerning public places that were currently non- smoking, the Clean Air Act, people's choices/rights, and health issues. Councilmember Walker commented on where we go from here, does the City Council write an ordinance. Mayor Vavricek stated that we had come full circle. The following decisions could be made by Council: A. Council create an Ordinance B. Council approve smoking-ban C. Council make no decision D. Public move forward with petition process for an election Councilmember's Gilbert, Haase, and Nickerson spoke in support of a smoking ban through the election process. Councilmember Gilbert recommended a complete smoking ban through a vote of the people at the next Primary Election. Councilmember's Hornady, Whitesides, Pielstick, Meyer, Pauly, Walker, and Cornelius did not support a complete smoking ban but supported the petition process for an election. Councilmember Pielstick recommended that city staff work with the Health Department in generating a petition for the General Election on November 2006. City Attorney Doug Walker commented on the Nebraska statutes regarding the petition process to get this issue on the ballot. Discussion was held concerning the Council drafting ballot language. Councilmember Gilbert commented on the City Council's obligation to deal with this issue as the State Legislature killed a smoking ban bill because this was a local issue. Mayor Vavricek mentioned the lack of consensus on the Council was in no way shirking their duty and that this issue was tailor made for an election. Councilmember Gilbert stated she did not agree with the Mayor's comments and this would delay the process further. City Administrator Gary Greer stated that on June 22, 2004 an ordinance was brought before Council. City staff would wait for either a Councilmember or a request from the public to come forward with ballot language for an election. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. QJ\~ W~ RaNae Edwards City Clerk