MINUTES

MAYOR’S TASK FORCE ON SMOKING

FEBRUARY 2004

Members present: Dave Hiebert, John Hiebert, Scott Hazelitt, Judy Keller, Peach Madl, Chuck Magerl, and Dave Kingsley.

Minutes of the January minutes were amended to reflect that Peach Madl’s employees work 7 hours per week.

Dave Kingsley distributed a report of the Salina City Manager.  The report summarized “Issues and Options” pertaining to the regulation of environmental tobacco smoke and will be a helpful guide in preparation of the Task Force report to the Lawrence City Commission.

Scott Hazelitt distributed a “Preliminary Draft of the Architectural/Ventilation Section of the Task Force Report.”  The issues included in Scott’s draft were discussed.  Ventilation as a protection from ETS appears to be questionable.

John Hiebert stated that he would like to clarify that the thrust of the discussion is about employees.  He said some patrons are ill advised to be in smoky places but the transient nature of patron exposure should not be the focus of the Task Force.

Chuck Magerl asked why OSHA has not proposed standards for ETS in the workplace.  Judy Keller replied that both OSHA and EPA have issued statements that say there are no acceptable levels.

Chuck Magerl stated that the percent of smokers is about the same at his nonsmoking establishment as it is at his smoking restaurant.  Dave Kingsley asked Chuck if he was implying that employees themselves were not concerned about the health effects of ETS.  When occupational safety and health legislation is passed, there are generally a substantial number of employees who do not think protection is necessary.  This was true when OSHA was passed.  Many employees thought that machine guards, safety shoes, protective clothing and so forth were just bothersome.  However, many employees do want the protection.

There was considerable discussion about ventilation and workplace standards.  Peach Madl asked about ionizers.  She stated that the motel industry uses ionizing equipment to remove air pollutants from hotel rooms.

John Fittell, owner of AMMA Health Services attended the meeting.  He distributes ionizing equipment.  He provided a demonstration of the products he sells.

The Task Force is scheduled to present its final report to the Lawrence City Commission on March 31^st.  There was some indication that the smoking ordinance would not be the only item on the study session agenda.  It is possible that only 1 hour would be allotted for the smoking issue.

Members were generally concerned about the time issue.  Everyone seemed to agree that 1 hour would not be enough time for what will be a contentious issue.  Dave Kingsley said he would clarify the matter with the mayor.

The Task Force Committees on Health Issues, Economic Impact, Ventilation, and Ordinances are committed to having rough drafts of their reports by March 9^th.  Any comments concerning options that the Task Force would recommend are to be made by e-mail to Dave Kingsley.  He will compile the comments.

The next meeting will be held on March 9, 2004 at 5:00 P.M. at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.