Committee raises fire-safety concern over people smoking at downtown courthouse stairwell

Doug Stockley, meeting chair of the Health and Safety Committee, reported a safety concern at the downtown courthouse and asked those who work there to pass the information along. "It appears that, we have some people who are smoking and they go down to the basement...they're standing there on that landing smoking cigarettes leaving the door open so that they get some heat and, that cigarette smoke is traveling into the building and we've had employee complaints about it," Stockley said.

Stockley told employees the landing is still a doorway to a public building and reminded them of the county's requirement to maintain a 15-foot distance from public building doorways when smoking. He also reported seeing "an unapproved cigarette **** container" surrounded by dead leaves on the landing and said that combination raised fire-safety concerns. "Please downtown people take it back, spread the word through the downtown courthouse that, it's not allowed," he said.

Stockley asked staff to ensure maintenance follows the 15-foot guideline and to report blocked stairways or combustible debris so maintenance can address hazards. No formal policy or disciplinary action was proposed at the meeting; staff were asked to communicate the guidance to downtown courthouse personnel.