Two smoking bans to consider

Greencastle park officials have decided to wait until next month to discuss a proposal to prohibit smoking during the city's annual Parkfest.

Park board President Leslie Hanson, who requested the issue be placed back on the agenda from last month, said she wanted to delay the discussion for another month because she hadn't had a chance to discuss it with members of the Greencastle Civic League, organizers of the summer concert series.

Last month, park board members and Parks and Recreation Director Rod Weinschenk said they wanted input from the civic league before proceeding with a decision.

Weinschenk said he did not feel comfortable legislating the ban without the civic league's support.

Civic league officials have not been attending the park board meetings and could not be reached for comment.

If approved, the ban would prohibit those attending summer concerts at Greencastle's Robe-Ann Park from smoking during those events.

It appears that a separate smoking ban, currently being considered by the city council, will not have an effect on Parkfest or other outdoor activities because it only deals with indoor establishments.

Regarding the citywide smoking ban, Greencastle Mayor Nancy Michael said she does not anticipate the city council discussing the issue next week as was suggested at the council's March meeting.

Instead the council has planned a special meeting for 6:30 p.m. April 26 solely to discuss the smoking ban.

Last month, city council members discussed the proposed ban at length and made a few changes. The revised ordinance will be presented to the council this month.