Nicky Boyette – Parks Director Justin Huss pointed out at the June 21 meeting that Parks has a No Smoking policy for Basin Park and the playgrounds at Harmon Park, but the city has no ordinance to back it up so there is nothing anyone can do about smoking other than ask smokers to please abide by the policy. He urged commissioners to pursue an ordinance.
Huss introduced Brenda Patterson who promotes tobacco prevention education in Carroll, Madison and Newton counties. She said she was able to make progress in Huntsville on eliminating smoking in public places, and agreed with Huss an ordinance would enable enforcement.
Chair Bill Featherstone pointed out Huntsville does not have the influx of visitors like Eureka Springs. “Here it is not just locals in the park. What are the implications to our only economy?”
Patterson responded it takes building awareness.
Commissioner Steven Foster suggested they review state law for guidance. Huss added the ordinance would need to be well crafted because some towns overreach in attempts to eliminate to smoking in areas and citizens voted them down.
Commissioner Fergie Stewart said he was on the fence about a smoking ordinance. He would rather give folks a chance to respect others and choose not to smoke in their proximity, but Featherstone pointed contended smoke does not stay in one place.
Commissioner Barry Reed pointed out, “You have the right to swing your fist. You don’t have the right to land it on someone’s face. Smoking is the same thing.”
Commissioner Ruth Hager added that tourists are possibly more indulgent when on vacation, so the city must walk a fine line with a no smoking ordinance.
Foster replied Basin Park is a small, finite space they can focus on, and Reed said they could ask Huss to bring back the language they need for an ordinance. Reed moved that Parks ask council to draft an ordinance based on Parks’ policy of no smoking in Basin Park or the playgrounds. Foster said they can add other areas if they see fit, but this ordinance would be a start.
Vote to approve Reed’s motion was unanimous.