Banning Smoking In Lakewood's Parks?

Council President Brian Powers called the February 6, 2012 Council Meeting to order at 7:33 P.M. He then read a report from the Committee of the Whole regarding Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). It was reported to the Committee that in 2012 Lakewood will receive about 15% less CDBG funding than last year. That is almost $300,000 dollars less. This grant money comes from the Federal Government and is used for several programs around the city including those that help residents paint their houses or make necessary improvements to their homes so they can keep them, help those without insurance get medical care, help abused women and children, and gives the homeless someplace to stay.

With such a large reduction this year, the Citizens Advisory Committee, which makes suggestions to Council as to how much should be given to each program, will have to be called back together to adjust their recommendations to match the new amount.

Councilman Powers (At-Large) then introduced an ordinance to Council that would clarify one currently on the books regarding dangerous and exotic animals in Lakewood. The change would be relevant to veterinarians, animal hospitals and approved animal rescues. The new ordinance will clarify that those institutions may keep animals that are normally prohibited in Lakewood, particularly in this case pitbulls, but only for a limited amount of time and for legitimate purposes. Council referred the ordinance to the Public Safety Committee for consideration.

Councilwoman Mary Louise Madigan (Ward IV) then read a communication from all of Council and the Mayor asking members of the community to support the Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services department by renewing the levy that will be on the ballot on March 6th. The funds help support “services of prevention, early intervention and trauma.” Passing the levy will help continue “critical services including funding for MetroHealth Hospital, for children at risk of abuse and neglect and services that help keep seniors healthy and in their homes.” Access to any of services is assured to any Cuyahoga County resident who is in need of assistance.

Council then passed a resolution in support of the measure.

Councilwoman Monique Smith (At-Large) then read a communication from herself and Councilwoman Madigan asking Council to consider banning smoking from all of Lakewood’s parks. Councilwoman Smith stated that city “parks are intended for the healthy enjoyment of all” and are “spaces designed to encourage exercise and activity.” She said that second-hand smoke inhibits that enjoyment. “Second-hand smoke is dangerous and smells bad,” she said. She also mentioned the litter from tobacco products, such as cigarette butts and packaging, as also being a nuisance. She believes that smoking is a “behavior that Lakewood’s children and youth do not need to see while they are riding, running or playing.” Furthermore she said smoking should definitely not be allowed around the skatepark, tennis courts or the ballfields. She concluded saying “we all know smoking is bad for us, we shouldn’t have to put up with it in our parks.”

After reading her statement, Councilwoman Smith said she asked the Law Director to help draw up an ordinance banning smoking in all of Lakewood’s parks and asked that it be considered in the Human Services Committee. She also said that this was brought forth by residents who have had complaints and concerns regarding this issue. “Some folks in the community who are trying to organize activities in the parks for kids are seeing problems with loitering and have this idea that smoking in the parks is getting in the way of what they are trying to accomplish.”

Councilman Tom Bullock (Ward II) applauded Councilwomen Smith and Madigan for bringing this issue forward and said he looked forward to the discussion and hearing from law enforcement regarding it. He also said he suspected that the number one litter item in the parks was probably cigarette butts.

The Director of Public Works, Joe Beno, then asked Council to consider passing an ordinance that would change the closing times of Madison and Kaufman parks. Right now both parks, like Lakewood Park, close at 11 P.M. Director Beno would like to change that to one hour past sunset, unless involved with an organized event. He said they did not believe there was any reason for the two parks to remain open so late at all times of the year. He also said he believed this would help prevent graffiti and loitering in the parks and would give police easier rules to enforce.

Council referred the ordinance to the Public Safety Committee for further consideration.

Fire Chief Gilman then asked Council to pass a resolution which would allow the city to accept a $1,300 grant.The funds are dispersed from Cuyahoga County’s Homeland Security Grant program and are designated to go toward the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The money is reimbursement for funds spent on equipment and training for CERT members.

Coming to the end of the agenda items, Council President Powers adjourned the meeting at 8:35 P.M.

Council meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the City Hall Auditorium. The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be held on March 5, 2012. For a copy of the agenda or for any other information regarding the Lakewood City Council, you can find it at onelakewood.com/citygovern_council.html.