Council may adopt smoking ordinance

Smoking in public will be back on the city's agenda for Tuesday night as the Kilgore Cty Council plans to discuss and possibly adopt Ordinance No. 1430.

Joe Parker, mayor, said the council will have several options to talk about, including how strict the ordinance should be regarding the prohibition of smoking in public places and workplaces.

He said Jeff Howell, city manager, and Rob Schleier, city attorney, have been working on an ordinance based on Tyler and Longview's ordinances, as well as suggestions from the American Cancer Society. Tyler's is strict, whereas Longview's provides for some exemptions.

Parker said the council will discuss whether to exclude businesses that make 50 percent or more of their net revenue from the sale of alcohol.

"I think one or two of the council are in favor of exempting bars, but it's the council's decision. They can go as strict or as lax as they want," the mayor said.

If passed, the mayor said he hopes the council will give businesses a 30- to 90-day delay so businesses can make plans and put up signage.

The council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall.

Other action items include possible adoption of:

— An agreement with KSA Engineers for a study of the Rabbit Creek sewer line system, which includes 17,000 feet of line;

— A Municipal Setting Designation for the former Haynes Fuel Station on Hwy. 135 and the former Shore Refinery on Longview Street;

— Ordinance No. 1431 regarding the city's Water Conservation Plan;

— A contract with Verizon Business Network Services for system upgrades in the amount of $8,378.72;

— Purchase of a Leeboy LD asphalt paver through the state's BuyBoard in the amount of $82,747;

— A request from Command Connect LLC for a letter of support to receive benefits through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to finance broadband Internet services in rural and underserved areas.

Tim Hobbs, street superintendent, and B.J. Owen, director of Special Services, will speak about mowing and Owen will also discuss mosquito spraying.

Under the "consent agenda," the council is scheduled to approve the donation of Lots 9, 10 and 11A of Block 10 in the Industrial Heights Addition (702 Emerson) to Habitat for Humanity for the development of a single family home.

The council will also discuss adoption of Resolution No. 09-10 to authorize "intervention in Southwest Electric Power Company's upcoming fuel-factor proceedings at the (Public Utility Commission) and providing for the engagement of special counsel."

Also under the consent agenda, council members may appoint Patsy Davis to a vacant position on the Main Street Advisory Board.

An executive session at the end of the meeting will include discussion of possible acquisition of real estate for expansion of the water system, a review of "Director of Public Safety" (Ronnie Moore) and discuss three KEDC business prospects.

Anyone wishing to address the council may do so during the public forum at the beginning of the meeting.