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“I don’t know that it makes sense to have an ordinance if it’s not going to be enforced," he said.
Marcum cited a rule passed several years ago that prohibited employees from using tobacco in or on city vehicles, and he said he did not think it was enforced because he was not aware of any penalties being handed down.
Mayor Jerry Tomlinson said no-smoking signs would be placed at locations.
Although there is not a set penalty for this particular ordinance, City Attorney Pat Phelps said the city already has a general ordinance in place that allows for a fine up to $200 for a violation of any city ordinance.
All council members except Marcum, voted for the ordinance. Tomlinson said much of the no-smoking measures are already in place at city property, but the city needed an ordinance.
Passing the ordinance makes the city eligible for a Healthy Communities Incentive Grant, and the council also passed an ordinance prohibiting tobacco advertising or marketing at city sponsored events.
Grants Coordinator Becca Parr said the city has been certified as a Healthy Community by the Oklahoma State Health Department, and is now eligible to apply for grant funding through the OK Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.
The grant request could be up to $50,000, and no matching funds are required. The proposed project is for sidewalk construction, including connecting some sidewalks, because the city is working toward becoming a more “walkable community,” according to a report by Parr.
In other action, the council approved zoning changes following public hearings on the proposals. A request by Susan Way to change the zoning on property at 1206 W. Evergreen St. from a two-family residential district to professional and business office district was approved.
Community Development Director Joseph Marquardt said the Planning and Zoning Commission had approved the request, and according to his report, it is compatible with the present zoning and conforming uses of nearby property. The council approved the zoning change.
Council members also approved a zoning change requested by Ryan Hackett and Tom Tibbetts, on behalf of Phil and Dana Haggard, to change property at 2904 N. First Ave. from general agriculture district to general residential district. That change is also compatible with present zoning and conforming uses of nearby property, according to Marquardt. The council also approved a preliminary plat for the property, known as Linden Wood Phase Two.
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