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Michigan City council hears American Lung Association briefing, holds first reading of smoke-free government-building ordinance
Summary
The council heard an American Lung Association presentation on the harms of secondhand smoke and e-cigarette aerosols, substituted a corrected draft ordinance to make city-owned buildings smoke-free and held it for second reading after questions about enforcement, employee breaks and possible exemptions.
The Michigan City Common Council heard a presentation from the American Lung Association on Jan. 20 and substituted a corrected first-reading ordinance that would designate city-owned buildings as smoke-free.
Taylor Williams, an advocacy specialist with the American Lung Association, told the council there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke or e-cigarette aerosols and urged local action to close gaps left by Indiana’s 2012 statewide smoke-free law, which excludes bars, membership clubs, retail tobacco stores, casinos and does not explicitly cover e-cigarettes or cannabis. Williams said the draft ordinance before the council grew from a city employee complaint and noted Michigan City’s Blue Chip Casino as a major local employer that still allows indoor smoking.
Councilman Greg Coulter moved to substitute an updated ordinance draft circulated to members; the motion passed unanimously. During council discussion and public comment, members raised questions about enforcement, penalties, exemptions and support for cessation. Several council members described family members who suffered tobacco-related illnesses as reasons to support stronger limits.
Councilman Chris Przybylinski asked whether the ordinance would ban smoking in vehicles parked on city property; Williams and other supporters said designated off-site breaks or a designated smoking spot could be allowed and emphasized signage and education as primary enforcement tools. Council members discussed whether parks or golf courses should be exempted and whether the policy should be punitive or paired with cessation programs and signage.
Members of the public who spoke at the meeting urged the council to complete the ordinance process quickly. Councilwoman Moldenhauer and others asked to be added as sponsors. The council held the ordinance over for second reading so drafters can clarify vehicle and enforcement language and consider possible exemptions.
The next procedural step is a second reading of the ordinance where the council will consider amendments and a final vote.
