Park Board recommends smoking ban at City parks, fields
The City of Bartlesville is exploring changes to some municipal ordinances due to new and changing state laws going into effect this year.
In response to the recent legalization of medical marijuana in Oklahoma, City staff has been researching how the law will impact City zoningand land use, personnel policies, law enforcement and taxation — as well as how smokable marijuana could impact public spaces such as City-owned parks and recreational facilities.
Smoking in City parks is not a new issue. ThePark Board voted six years ago to recommend the passage of an ordinance to prohibit smoking at least near playgrounds and play fields on City-owned property. Though prohibited by City policy, such an ordinance was never enacted. Community Development Director Lisa Beeman says now might be a good time to revisit the issue, with modifications being made to the ordinance to accommodate the medical marijuana law.
“This has been an ongoing issue for the Park Board, which recently voted to reaffirm a previous recommendation that smoking be banned at least within 50 feet of playgrounds, play fields and courts,” Beeman said. “Revisions are needed to the municipal code to recognize the new marijuana law, and smokable forms of marijuana will likely be treated similarly as any other form of smoking.
“Therefore, the Park Board and City staff are recommending that the council consider the passage of an ordinance relating to all forms of smoking at City parks, fields and recreational facilities.”
The public is encouraged to weigh in on the issue as well. A poll is included in this edition of City Beat in an attempt to obtain input.
The issue was presented to the City Council during a meeting on Aug. 13, when staff presented information about the new medical marijuana law and its impact on cities. Staff made several recommendations pertaining to individuals who hold licenses to use medical marijuana, as well as growers, processors and retailers who hope to market and sell the drug. With few exceptions, staff recommended the City Council approve similar ordinances and policies as outlined by the State of Oklahoma regarding the referendum. Staff anticipates the State will begin issuing licenses Sept. 10.
“It is anticipated the State will begin issuing these licenses on Sept. 10, so we need to be able and ready to respond to people seeking City permits and business licenses with updated ordinances and policies in place,” Beeman said. Beeman also noted that the Oklahoma Legislature could alter the State’s rules once in session next spring, which could result in further revisions required to the City’s Municipal Code.
Also discussed at the Aug. 13 meeting were changes needed to the Municipal Code as they relate to changing State laws on alcohol sales.
Beginning Oct. 1, full strength beer (8.9 Alcohol By Volume) and wine (up to 15 percent ABV) may be sold in grocery stores, convenience and similar stores in Oklahoma between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. on any day. Liquor stores may open at 8 a.m. and close at midnight Monday through Saturday. (Hours are currently 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.) The council is expected to consider approval of language revisions in the City’s Municipal Code to accommodate these changes.
No action was taken during the Aug. 13 meeting. It is expected the City Council will consider voting on all three issues during a meeting on Sept. 4. City Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave., and are open to the public.