Politics & Government
Dexter Village Council Adopts Tobacco Free Parks Policy
Smoking in public parks, recreational areas and playgrounds is prohibited in the village and could result in a civil infraction.
The Dexter Village Council unanimously approved a tobacco-free parks policy at its meeting on Monday.
The policy was recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission and prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products, including "electronic cigarettes," in outdoor recreational areas owned by the village.
“It (the policy) is a good public health policy," Allison Bishop, community development manager said. “It seems like the right thing to do.”
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According to information provided by the village, the new policy defines "recreational areas" as any public or private area open to the public for recreational purposes.
The tobacco-free policy will be enforced on the same level as the village's alcohol-free policy. Violators will be asked to stop smoking, leave the premises or could receive a civil infraction.
Find out what's happening in Dexterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Trustee Paul Cousins enthusiastically supported the measure and reminded the council that Dexter already has tobacco-free policies in place in other public areas.
“This (policy) is not breaking new ground here," Cousins said.
In other action:
The council approved temporary placement of a wall-hanging sculpture by local artist Ben Forgey as part of its public art program. The piece, entitled “Icarus Rising," will be affixed to the for one year, according to information provided by the village.
“'Icarus Rising' is a beautiful piece," Cousins said.
The artwork uses driftwood from Lake Erie modeled to resemble the wings used in Greek mythology's story of Daedalus and Icarus.
Assistant Village Manager Courtney Nicholls said artists whose pieces are chosen to be installed on a temporary basis are paid a small fee which is intended to help with delivery and installation costs.
Council also unanimously approved the purchase of a blue heron sculpture for Mill Creek Park. The piece was obtained by the village for $2,850. The piece will be permanently installed in the park along the boardwalk. A second permanent sculpture may be purchased for the park's fishing pier.
