03-14-1988 - Agenda Packet City Council - regular meeting

Home Browse Search

Dr. Mich stated that he had submitted in writing to the Board of Education a recommendation restricting smoking areas and that his recommendation was an outgrowth of what he understood would be agreeable to the Board based on their discussion at the last Board meeting. He stated that the Board has reconsidered that decision and wants to move toward "smoke -free" buildings at an earlier date. Dr. Mich stated that according to his understanding, the Board is directing administration to research and provide a recommendation for stop smoking programs for employees and to develop a policy with respect to non- c(xmpliance. Dr. Mich further stated that the question before the Board tonight would be the timeline for implementation of "smoke -free" buildings. Dave McKown recognized Dan Martin, community member who previously requested an opportunity to speak to this issue. Mr. Martin stated his understanding was that this was an attempt to provide Orono School District with a "smoke -free" environment and given that this is an institution of education and one that has a high level of quality of instruc- tion, it seems ironic that any activity would be permitted that would be health endangering or even life threatening and to provide even limited access for smok- ers in these various designated areas seems to be too broad unless adequate ventilation and recirculation systems were provided. Discussion ensued concerning cessation of smoking programs, appropriate timing for implementation, grounds issue, noncompliance implementation, etc. After considerable discussion on this issue, Kitty Crosby MOVEC, John Maresh seconded, that the Board of Education declare the buildings of O..,no Schools to be "smoke -free" effective March 28, A 88 for the following reasons in priority order: 1) the health of non-smokers, 2) modeling behavior of individuals within a school setting, 3) concern for the smoker; and that the Board further directs administration to study and recommend a smoking cessation program for voluntary employee participation; and that the Board further directs administra- tion to develop and recommend a more formal and detailed policy in accordance with this directive. Nay vote: Don Anderson. Motion carried. Warren Nelson provided background information to the Board regarding the middle school spelling bee. Mr. Nelson introducea Britta Parten, first place winner, and Amy Marr, second place winner. They will represent Orono in the regional spelling bee. A videotape of the spelling bee was shown to the Board. Dave McKown presented each of the winners with a plaque on behalf of the school district. A videotape, "Salute to Education" was shown to the Board. Dr. Mich explained that this tape was made in honor of the anniversary of the NASA shuttle explo- sion two years ago.