West Liberty City Council votes to ban smoking in city buildings, but question may be revisited

The West Liberty City Council voted narrowly last week to ban smoking in city buildings, reports Miranda Cantrell of the Licking Valley Courier.

Mayor Jim Rupe opposed the move, which passed 3-2 with one abstention. If the vote had been tied, Rupe could have broken it.

“Rupe, a smoker, advised council members to consider city employees who smoke, including City Clerk Sally Barker and some department heads,” Cantrell reports. Council Members Mark Walter and Belinda Jordan said they were trying to help members of the public who use city buildings.

“Barker said the council will likely revisit the smoking issue at next month’s meeting,” Cantrell reports. “No effective date for the ban was suggested.” (Read more)