Jump to full article: Fargo (ND) InForum, 2007-08-28
Author: Mike Nowatzki, The Forum
Intro: Commissioners unanimously approved the second reading of a smoking ban ordinance that has no exception for cigar bars and isn’t tied to whether West Fargo approves a similar ban.
A third reading – and possible final adoption – of the ban will take place Sept. 10.
Commissioner Linda Coates made the motion to change the effective date to March 1, and here's why:
If Fargo approves the smoking ban and it gets referred to a public vote, the city’s home rule charter requires the vote to take place during the next regularly scheduled election, which is in June.
West Fargo’s charter also states that if an ordinance is referred by petition, it must be voted on during the next regular citywide election. However, if there’s no regular election within 90 days, the city must hold a special election within 90 days of the petition signatures being declared sufficient.
Of course, West Fargo commissioners have already decided to put the smoking ban issue to the public for an advisory vote in June.
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