HOISINGTON — Meeting Monday, the Hoisington City Council directed city staff to draft a tobacco-free ordinance to be enforced at city parks. Details of the proposed ordinance provide no exemptions and include a $50 fine with court costs. 

“Prior to drafting an ordinance on the issue, our staff felt it was critical to get council input on enforcement and whether there would be any exceptions,” said City Manager Jonathan Mitchell. “We will draft an ordinance for a future meeting but it will likely include all forms of tobacco as well as e-cigarettes.”

In other business, the council approved the revised wage ordinance to include trolley drivers and meal site coordinator positions. On city operations updates, there was a fair amount of discussion about options to address the aging tree row on the north side of the cemetery but no action was taken. 

Mitchell also provided updates on the recent Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, the Nextlink Communications agreement, the bike-share program, the lime softening system and updates from the Pool Advisory Board.