The soccer and baseball fields at Memorial Park in Swanton are among the areas where smoking will be prohibited.
Swanton Village Council last Monday approved the third and final reading of an ordinance that prohibits smoking in public parks.
The ordinance will prohibit smoking and vaping in village owned parks except in designated areas. There are currently no designated areas, but it allows for them in the future.
It was unanimously approved, and goes into effect on Dec. 27.
The ordinance also prohibits smoking and vaping in the municipal building on Chestnut Street and in other village owned facilities. Vaping is defined in the ordinance as use of any electronic device, or similar device, to inhale and exhale vapors produced by said device.
According to Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle, the village received some messages from residents and community members inquiring about no smoking in the parks.
“It’s more than just putting up a sign so it was brought up at a Public Service Committee, and their recommendation was to present legislation to ban smoking on municipal grounds, including parks,” said Hoelzle.
In April, Wauseon passed an ordinance banning smoking in city parks.
Committees
• A street light will be added near the intersection of W. Garfield Avenue and Elton Parkway. It was discussed by the Public Service Committee. School officials say the current lights do not illuminate the crosswalks for students heading to and from Swanton Middle School.
Toledo Edison quoted the cost of installation at $2,209.
• Turning Crestwood Drive into a one-way street during pick-up and drop-off of students at Swanton Elementary School was also discussed. It could be one-way to the north between Church Street and Parkside Drive, from 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m., when school is in session. Signs would be erected to reflect any change in the traffic pattern.
The issue will go before the full council on Dec. 11.
• Matt Gilroy, executive director of the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, was at the Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss economic development strategies for the eastern part of Fulton County.
Reach Drew Stambaugh at 419-335-2010 or on Twitter @Swan_Enterprise
