Jump to full article: Hannibal (MO) Courier-Post, 2010-02-03
Author: DANNY HENLEY Hannibal Courier-Post
Intro: The Admiral Coontz Recreation Center will become a smoke-free zone later this year.
Following a lengthy discussion of the proposal by members of the Hannibal City Council on Tuesday night at city hall, the council supported a recommendation of the Park Board and approved enacting a smoking ban in the facility for all public and private events. Under the current guidelines, smoking inside the building can occur during private events such as the Wing Ding, Chili Cookoff and wedding receptions.
When the smoke cleared the measure was approved by a 4-3 margin. Opposing the measure were Councilmen Kevin Knickerbocker, Jason Janes and Barry Louderman. In favor of the change were Councilmen Louis Barta and Jeff Lyng, Mayor Roy Hark and Mayor Pro Tem Jim Behymer.
With the vote tied at 3, Behymer, who earlier stated his willingness to “speak in behalf of those who do not want to be exposed to second-hand smoke,” voted in favor of the ban. . . .
Chris Atkinson, director of the Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department, cited three issues in seeking the change: the health and safety of those who use the building; to protect parks department personnel who frequently are working during events where smoking occurs; and to protect the interior of the building.
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