SOUTHWICK – While reviewing a draft of a code of conduct policy, several department heads raised concerns about including a smoking policy on municipal property.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox said the impetus for the policy was more about behavior and conduct on town property but when the smoking concerns came up, the board felt they should be addressed and referred it to the health department.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart said ysterday that he still has not heard back from Health Inspector Thomas Fitzgerald on the matter. It was discussed during a September Southwick Board of Health meeting.
Stinehart said his main concerns for the health board were enforcement and e-cigarettes.
Stinehart said he’s not sure where e-cigarettes fall when it comes to public buildings. He added that outlining a designated smoking area on town property is something he wants included in the policy.
As far as enforcement, Fox said that would not be a function of Fitzgerald or the Board of Health.
“I hope people would voluntarily comply,” he said. “And as far as enforcement, that would not be the Board of Health’s job. There will be signs and I think if someone is smoking, people will let them know the policy.”
Fox said the policy will include a process for complaints for any conduct code violation.
“We’re going to have a reporting process for someone to file a complaint,” Fox said. “There will be a clear path for how to proceed.”
The policy is currently still in draft form but Fox said he hopes to have it approved before the end of the year.
“We’re finalizing it now and should have it done this fall,” he said.
