Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 7, 1994 TAG: 9404070310
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Pulaski Town Council voted 5-1 to accept its Personnel Committee recommendation for a ban, with Alma Holston casting the only opposing vote. The governing body considered making the ban effective in 60 days, but opted to have the town administrative staff draw up a plan for implementing the decision for future council consideration.
Mayor Gary Hancock was concerned that the effect of the ban would be to cause long lines of town employees taking smoke breaks outside the municipal building and other town buildings, which will be the only place they will be allowed to smoke. He also questioned whether having to leave work places to smoke would be disruptive.
``I don't think people who don't smoke should be subjected to the smoke of others,'' he said, but he said smokers should be considered, too.
``We have played with this long enough,'' replied Councilman Don Crispin, ``and to defer it further would be cowardice.''
Councilman Roy D'Ardenne agreed that a decision should be made, and noted that town employees had been surveyed on the matter.
The original draft considered by the Personnel Committee was not a total ban, but allowed employees to ask their department heads to designate their work areas as nonsmoking. The department head could do that or use ventilation, partitions or other means to keep the work area clear of smoke.
Comments from employees who were surveyed included that nonsmokers should not be made to work with smokers, the police dispatchers` office should be designated as a smoking area because dispatchers cannot leave it while working, smoking should be banned in town buildings and vehicles, and smoking areas should be provided.
``Why do I have to move to an area to smoke, when it's just as easy for a nonsmoker to move to a smoke-free area?'' one asked. Another said that if smoking is not allowed in vehicles, ``what's next, no dipping or chewing tobacco and then what, no eating?''
One town employee wrote that the original policy being proposed ``simply adopts what has already occurred ... those of us who deplore smoke and have some control over our work areas already have posted no-smoking signs, have asked smokers to extinguish cigarettes before entering our work areas, and/or have otherwise tried to limit our exposure every day.''
Smokers generally comply, she said, but ``the policy does little to limit our exposure to smoke anymore than we have - on our own.''
After considering all this, the Personnel Committee recommended the total ban which was approved.
In other business, council:
Sought a revision in the proposed agreement with Pulaski County and its Public Service Authority on how long emergency rates could be effective in buying water from the county.
Approved a Police Department reorganization including the creation of a captain's position.
Raised the budget for the June 11 train station dedication ceremony and entertainment from $4,009 to a $5,000 maximum from council.
Agreed to coordinate with the Pulaski County School Board for a student recognition program proposed more than a year ago by Crispin.
Planned a special meeting to be scheduled next week to consider an ordinance adopting the water rate recommendations made by a consultant hired by the town.
by CNB