September 29, 2020 4:45 a.m.
The Roseburg City Council has agreed to prohibit smoking at events in downtown Roseburg and on public park property.
Monday night councilors heard a staff report on the proposal, which is backed by the Downtown Roseburg Association. The idea was brought to the council at a recent meeting where County Public Health Officer Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer talked about the dangers of smoking. The area impacted by the ordinance was expanded following a suggestion by Mayor Larry Rich. It originally included Jackson and Main streets from Douglas Avenue to Lane Street. It will now include a section of Douglas from Jackson to Fowler, and down Fowler to Diamond Lake Boulevard. Jackson Street north to Diamond Lake Boulevard was added as well. Rich said that would put the area used for the Veteran’s Day parade and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony inside the boundary. City Recorder Amy Sowa said the property the Douglas County Courthouse is on, where the tree lighting event is held, is outside the City’s jurisdiction. She said the County doesn’t prohibit smoking on its property. It was not clear what the penalty for smoking during downtown events would be.
Most councilors favored the plan, though Ashley Hicks voted no, saying that those who live downtown, have not been consulted about the idea. Brian Prawitz called the proposal, a “no-brainer”. The council said yes to having first reading of the ordinance on a 7-1 vote. Final approval will come at a future meeting.
A consulting services contract and a task order requested by the Public Works Department were approved. This is for a 24-inch transmission main.
Councilors agreed to allow City Manager Nikki Messenger to work with community partners and give out $625,000 in Coronavirus Relief Funds. That includes reimbursing the City for money it has spent due to the pandemic, and supporting small businesses, citizens and non-profit organizations, along with money needed for economic and tourism recovery. The proposal passed on a 7-1 vote with Ashley Hicks voting no.
Mayor Larry Rich also gave a report on the council’s recent efforts to deal with those who are homeless. The council is scheduled to go in-depth on the topic at its October 12th meeting.