Council Defers Action On Smoking Shelter Ordinance

Two weeks after city staff prompted discussion of the potential for establishing in , council members formally debated the language behind an a proposed ordinance Monday night. 

Ward 1 Councilwoman Beth Kistner suggested amending the ordinance to exclude locations where food and drink is served, saying she could see the shelter creating an opportunity for patrons to create "a de factor outdoor bar."

Ward 3 Councilman Robert Hoffman repeated his opposition to all shelters, saying "it's wrong to do this," and that it defeats the purpose of the stepped-up smoking ban which.

Lawmakers voted unanimously (D'Alfonso and Saunders absent) to defer the ordinance to the next meeting.

Councilmembers also ppproved nominations to fill vacancies on city boards and commissions, but not before hearing concern from resident Lynn Berry about a lack of public information about the nominees, and a debate among the panel about whether formal interviews for some of the positions were held or should have been held.

Council members have previously discussed interest in holding interviews with candidates for certain city panels, but no formal policy requiring it had been put in place. City Clerk Debbie Ryan said information about board and committee nominees was a matter of public record, but that last year two candidates objected to having their information put online on the city's website.

Board President Tara Nealey, a member of the Nominating       Committee, said no candidates were interviewed but that "everybody's materials received equal weight." 

Also Monday, Council members got a review of costs associated with having metal detectors in use for Council and Planning and Zoning meetings after three months. City Administrator Mark Perkins said the overtime cost in the amount $4400 was in line with expectations.

Once they were through with the agenda, council members adjourned to closed session to discuss personnel and attorney client communications.

Later Today On Patch: City Council and staff discuss recent Creve Coeur Patch opinion piece on