Van Wert City Council Rejects Smoking Ban in City Parks

Van Wert City Council has rejected a proposed smoking ban in city parks.

Council voted 6-1 against the ordinance during its third and final reading Monday night. The proposal had been introduced earlier this summer by Councilman At-Large Hall Block.

Council had previously raised questions about how a smoking ban would be enforced.

In other business, council approved several ordinances, including supplemental appropriations, changes to a salary ordinance and a 10-year franchise agreement with Ohio Power, also known as AEP.

Council also voted to keep the city’s tree commission in place.

The next Van Wert City Council meeting is scheduled for August 24.