Smoking will be illegal in Des Moines parking garages beginning May 1, City Council members decided Monday – although no one is quite certain yet how vigorously the ban will be enforced or what it will cost puffers who improperly light up.
The ban, approved unanimously, will make it illegal to smoke in city garages except for in “designated smoking areas” that are to be clearly marked by signs.
Supporters immediately praised the move as a public statement that will lead to a healthier Des Moines. “It sends a real strong message to the citizens of Des Moines – and particularly the children of Des Moines – that smoking is not acceptable,” said Dan Ramsey of the American Lung Association.
“This is a small step toward getting us to where we want to be,” said Councilwoman Christine Hensley said.
Added Mayor Frank Cownie: “I see this, as I have for a long time, not so much as a prohibition of smoking but as the right to have fresh air to breathe.”
City officials said the May 1 enforcement date will allow time to hang “No Smoking” signs and to educate people who park downtown and at the city-owned airport.
“There’s also an expectation that we would work with business owners to establish, or perhaps help them establish, smoking areas around the facilities,” City Manager Rick Clark said. “I would not anticipate that police officers would be ticketing people who are smoking in their cars.”
In other business, council members:
Approved a $432 million budget that raises the city’s property tax levy from $16.45 to $16.59 per $1,000 of taxable property value. State-mandated tax breaks for homeowners, however, would keep individual bills flat or lower the bills by a few dollars, despite the rate increase.
“The one thing is, I want to encourage people when you get your tax bill, take a good look at it,” said Councilman Tom Vlassis. “Don’t blame everything on the city of Des Moines.”
Directed the city to solicit proposals for the preservation and renovation of the former Kingsway Cathedral, 901 19th St.
Church members previously have sought to demolish the building, which they contend was irreparably damaged by construction on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Interstate Highway 235.
Originally written By: Jeff Eckhoff
