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Council adopts ordinance banning smoking and vaping in city parks; 5-1 vote
Summary
The Marble Falls City Council approved Ordinance 2026-O-01A on Jan. 6, 2026, prohibiting smoking and vaping in city parks. Council debate centered on designated smoking areas and enforcement at special events; the ordinance passed 5-1 with Mayor John Packer opposed.
The Marble Falls City Council voted 5-1 on Jan. 6 to adopt Ordinance 2026-O-01A, which adds Section 15-31 to the Code of Ordinances to prohibit smoking and vaping in city parks. The measure was presented to the council by Lacey Dingman, Director of Parks and Recreation.
Council discussion focused on whether to allow designated smoking areas and how the prohibition would be enforced during events. Councilmember Griff Morris proposed establishing designated smoking areas within parks; Mayor John Packer said he would not support a blanket ban but would back restrictions during special events that meet a minimum attendance threshold. Kim Kankel, CEO/President of the Marble Falls Highland Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, asked how enforcement responsibilities would apply to Chamber-sponsored events. After debate, Mayor Pro-Tem Craig Magerkurth moved to approve the ordinance; Councilmember Dee Haddock seconded and the motion passed 5-1, with Mayor Packer voting in opposition.
The ordinance amends Chapter 15, Article II (Conduct in City Parks) to add the new prohibition. Councilmembers discussed referring questions about designated smoking-area procedures back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for recommendations. The council did not specify an enforcement mechanism or penalty schedule during the meeting; those details were not provided in the record and remain to be determined.
