While the City of Winnfield has laws regulating smoking in public buildings, the council in its October 8 session heard the introduction of a “Tobacco-Free” ordinance that could expand the protected areas.  Council member Ada Hall Dudley who introduced the bill said this would prohibit smoking in public buildings and public places.

Mitzi LaSalle, regional manager for the Louisiana Campaign for Smoke-Free Living hopes to partner with the City of Winnfield, said the organization looks to implement controls to reduce or prevent tobacco use, as well as exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke.

She said smoking and tobacco use (including vaping) increases chances of cancer, diabetes, heart and lung disease and stroke.  While 70% of Louisiana’s residents don’t smoke, they are exposed to the second-hand smoke from the 30% who do.  She added the third-hand smoke, the residuals of smoke that clings to clothing, curtains, hair, carpets and surfaces, is also an issue, especially for toddlers.

“By protecting your community and its visitors from the harmful effects of tobacco in public places and all businesses here in the City of Winnfield, you will join 36 other municipalities leading the way towards Louisiana becoming healthier for all,” she noted.

City Attorney Clay Carroll noted that he will be able to use the information in the packet provided by LaSalle to compare with exiting city ordinances as the council considers the proposed ordinance.

A second ordinance introduced by councilman Matt Miller is entitled “Firearm-Free Zone.”  He explained that this would mostly address issues at our city’s parks.

The city attorney also discussed a non-action item that he explained is something that Mayor Gerald Hamms “believes we ought to do.”  The item listed as “Ordinance for Vacant Structures” would target the many vacant, often boarded-up structures in the downtown area which the mayor hopes could be moved back into commercial use.

The council also heard from Assistant Police Chief Charles Curry that half of the city jail could be put back into service as early as mid-October. The facility has long been out of use due to inspection issues but rehab has been done.  The department moved a step closer at the October meeting when the council approved the position of fulltime jailer to Joseph Carrithers.