1987-11-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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]9 On motion by Mr. Barnes, seconded by ~Mr. Towe, the minutes of the meeting of October 19th were approved as presented, with Dr. Hall abstaining. On motion by Dr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Towe, the minutes of the meeting of October 26th were unanimously approved as corrected. PUBLIC There were no matters by the public. PRESENTATION: THOMAS JEFFERSON PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT Ms. Nancy O'Brien, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, presented TJPDC's Annual Report. Ms. O'Brien stated that the Commission had identified the need to establish a regional identity, especially with regard to the areas of economic development, housing, and transportation. Mr. Towe commended Ms. O'Brien for putting new life back into the Commission and for helping the surrounding counties to become more actively involved. PRESENTATION: VIRGINIANS FOR CLEAN AIR Dr. Tom Leinbach, a member of Virginians for Clean Air, introduced Ms. Tyra Watts to make the presentation to Council. Ms. Watts, representing both the Virginians for Clean Air and the American Lung Association, stated that an ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places is necessary due to the hazards of second-hand smoke. Ms. Watts stated that the model ordinance drafted by the Virginians for Clean Air would establish non-smoking areas in 75% of public places, which correlates to the percentage of non-smokers. Mr. Hendrix stated that staff has conducted a survey of other cities which have ordinances prohibiting smoking and that the City has been working on a policy concerning smoking in City owned buildings. Mr. Hendrix stated that staff wouldlike to study the issue further and make a recommendation to Council within 30 days. Mr. Hendrix recommended that a public hearing be held following staff recommendations. Responding to a question from Mr. Barnes regarding the origin of the proposed ordinance, Dr. Leinbach stated that the ordinance had been taken from other localities, with additions made by the Virginians for Clean Air. Mr. Towe questioned whether the proposed ordinance would have any bearing on the University of Virginia and schools and Dr. Leinbach replied that the University of Virginia Hospital presently has a very strict smoking policy in effect. Mr. John Clopton of the Virginians for Clean Air, stated that an informal survey conducted showed great interest by the public in prohibiting smoking in restaurants, grocery stores and in the work place. Mr. Buck recommended that staff use the Virginians for Clean Air as a resource in developing their recommendations as well as organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Restaurant Association, and Retail Merchants Association. Mr. Buck stated that,the Chairman of the Social Development Commission had indicated the Commission's willingness to study the issue if Council wished to refer the matter to them.