By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A proposed ban against smoking and vaping in all city parks across Whitewater was shot down after a robust discussion this week, though a modified ordinance could be presented at a later date.
The Common Council on Feb. 2 heard a request from council member Matthew Schulgit for an ordinance that would have prohibited the use of all forms of nicotine use in Whitewater’s 19 parks and green spaces.
Schulgit dusted off an issue that was discussed in depth two years ago, but was roundly snuffed out at the time on multiple concerns and lack of support within the wider community.
This go around, Schulgit said he wanted to renew the ban after discussing the matter with members of the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee, who have supported a prohibition.
“I think this is especially relevant now since we’re seeing the effects of respiratory disease in the United States and around the world,” Schulgit said. “It’s important we take action to those who might be most at risk. I think that this is something very important for us to consider.”
But other members of the elected body held a different position, saying an outright ban could lead to a litany of unintended consequences.
“I agree with your assessment that we shouldn’t be vaping or smoking or chewing tobacco,” council member Jim Allen said. “But all three are unenforceable, and I always vote against ordinances that are unenforceable.”
On the heels of a challenging year, council member Carol McCormick said she would not favor a blanket ban on concerns of how the measure would be perceived across the broader community.
“At this point, I think people would find this as another government overreach,” McCormick said. “Right now, in our climate and in our government, it’s not really a good time to start that overreach position again.”
Council President Lynn Binnie also said he would not favor an outright ban at this time, pointing out he has not heard complaints from residents about smoking in any of the public parks.
“If there was signage in all of those parks, I think it would sort of detract from the welcoming atmosphere that we’d like to have,” Binnie said.
The possibility remained of a revised, more narrowly focused draft ordinance coming down the pike. Council member Brienne Brown suggested a document that would prohibit tobacco use near areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds.
“I would be willing to look at it again if it were much more specific,” Brown said.
Scooting around the issue
The electric scooter rental discussion is on hold – again.
The council was slated to potentially act on a memorandum of understanding with Bird Rides Inc. for an electric scooter rental service within Whitewater. But the item was held at City Manager Cameron Clapper’s request.
“We’d like to bring this back for discussion and further consideration,” Clapper said. “We’d like to make sure, as staff, that we have all internal concerns resolved before something like this comes forward for discussion and action.”
Electric scooter rentals was to have been discussed at the council’s Jan. 19 meeting, but was pulled from the agenda. This week, it remained on the agenda, which prompted the brief update.
