When they return from their summer hiatus on Aug. 4, the members of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will tackle a number of issues on the agenda, including a smoking ban in facilities, property and vehicles.
The resolution says the step is necessary “to eliminate the potential for exposure to secondhand smoke on all County property” for the protection of both county workers and citizens. The county currently bans smoking in its buildings, but not outside them.
The resolution will go into effect Jan. 2, 2010, the same day that North Carolina legislation also bans smoking in almost all bars and restaurants.
The commissioners will also hear review bids on a renovation of Pack Library, estimated at around $3.1 million.
Zoning hasn’t gone away as an issue either, since the county’s zoning was eliminated by a state court ruling, and the board will vote on reinstating the Limestone Township’s zoning.
Other matters on the board’s plate include designating the county as a “recovery zone” to apply for government bonds and authorizing the tax collector to go after unpaid bills.
Also, in what may be a first for the county, Chair David Gantt has posted a video on his Facebook page, inviting the public to attend the meeting, and briefly summarizing the issues.
The board will meet Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 4:30 p.m. in the commissioners’ chambers at 30 Valley St. A short pre-meeting review of the agenda will begin at 4:15.
—David Forbes, staff writer
I laughed out loud when I saw this story on the news …. especially when they stated that the Buncombe County Detention Facility was already tobacco free!
I know from first hand experience that the officers there chew and/or dip.
Also, it is common practice to take some of the “boys” out side the jail annex and let them smoke (the officers even provide the cigs).