The committee likely will take up most legislation that will alter the city’s codified ordinances, which dictate city operations.
One of the issues currently being considered by the panel is proposed bans of smoking within about 25 feet of city buildings’ entrances as well as city parks and recreation areas.
MORE: Hamilton considers smoking ban on city properties
Removed from the committee itself, at her request — although she will continue to serve the panel as its legal adviser — was Law Director Heather Lewis, who said it would be best for her to serve solely in an advisory capacity.
She will be replaced by an official from the city’s public works department.
Already serving on the panel are:
- Vice mayor Carla Fiehrer (chairwoman)
- Mayor Pat Moeller
- Council Member Rob Wile
- Police Chief Craig Bucheit
- Health Department representative Cindy Hogg
- city Utility Customer Service Administrator Vivian Crooks
Fiehrer said the upgrade of the panel has been about two years in the making.
The committee a few years ago may have had as many as 15 members, which proved unwieldy, Fiehrer said.
“In trying to really zero in on what the (panel) is supposed to be doing, we thought the most effective thing to do is have the three council members, have four people from staff who are on it, make sure we’re putting out what the agenda’s going to be, and encourage people to come if they would like to speak about something,” she said.
The panel’s next meeting will be April 19 at 8 a.m. in City Council Chambers.
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