The Elkins Rules and Ordinance Committee is considering a ban on tobacco use in the city parks and has a plan on ways to enforce it.
"The parks commission has passed a resolution for tobacco-free parks," Committee Chairman and Councilman Mark Scott, 3rd Ward, told the group Tuesday. "They would like us to draft an ordinance to ban tobacco use in the parks to help the enforcement."
Scott said several municipalities have passed similar measures.
City Attorney Gerry Roberts said the commission has the power to create the rule and enforce it in the parks, but an ordinance would show the city's support and allow the Elkins Police Department to enforce the rule.
"They (EPRC) can make the decision," she said. "An ordinance gives another level of participation by the city."
Councilwoman and Committee member Nanci Bross-Fregonara, 4th Ward, suggested the measure be sent to the Elkins Public Safety Committee and Police Chief H.R. White.
"It is easier to enforce when you have an ordinance," Bross-Fregonara said. "We should have public safety look at."
Since the ordinance is not yet drafted, specifics such as penalties have not been decided.
The Elkins Public Safety Committee is slated to meet at 5:45 p.m. on July 25 in council chambers at Elkins City Hall.
Contact Anthony Gaynor by email at agaynor@theintermountain.com.
