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Ocean View council bans smoking in town public parks
Summary
At its first meeting of the year the Ocean View Town Council adopted a revised ordinance banning smoking in public parks, leaving council the option to post a designated smoking area; the measure passed on a unanimous 5-0 vote after a second reading and public hearing with no speakers.
The Ocean View Town Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance prohibiting smoking in public parks after a public hearing and second reading at its first meeting of the year. Council voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance, which staff said had been revised to allow the Council the option to post a designated smoking area if it chooses.
Town staff summarized changes made since the first reading, saying section two was amended to permit — but not require — the posting of a designated smoking area. The public hearing was opened; no members of the public offered comments during that hearing. Council then moved and seconded adoption and approved the ordinance by voice vote.
Council discussion focused on the ordinance's buffer distance from park boundaries and the optional nature of a designated smoking area. Staff noted earlier drafts referenced a 20–25 foot buffer from park perimeters and clarified that private property and sites with posted signage would be exempt. No formal amendment to the buffer distance was taken at the meeting.
The ordinance takes effect according to the town's adoption procedures; staff said they will implement notification and signage consistent with the adopted language. Council directed staff to proceed with any administrative steps needed to post signs if the Council later elects to establish a designated smoking area.
