Council to finally decide on outdoor smoking

Final action on a proposed outdoor smoking ban comes before the Orland City Council on Monday.

Following months of discussion and revisions, the council is looking at a first and second reading on a ordinance that would prohibit smoking within 20 feet of primary business entryways, near playgrounds and picnic areas in public parks and in outdoor cafes.

It came before the council in October when Students Working Against Tobacco members lobbied for such an ordinance that would protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke.

The council meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Carnegie Center, 912 Third St.

In other business, members of the Joint-Cities and County Economic Development Steering Committee will talk about their activities and seek council endorsements and direction at the start of the meeting.

The group is composed of city, county and business representatives who are trying to brand Glenn County and their communities for marketing to tourists and others.

It also has worked on streamlining the permit process so the cities and county have similar documents and has found volunteers to serve on strike and navigation teams to help business people through the permit and regulatory process.

Scott Schmimke, risk assessment manager for Golden State Risk Management Authority, also is to make a presentation on annual costs and alternatives to reduce insurance costs for the city.

Interim City Manager Gail Wingard also wants direction on whether to conduct an in-house study on the adequacy of water and sewer needs for the city.

Appointment of Trudy Waldroop to the Orland Library Commission for a term through Dec. 31, 2013, also is on the agenda.

For more information, call 865-1600 or visit the city's website at www.cityoforland.com.

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.