Young Lungs at Play generates discussion at council meeting
BIRDSBORO >> During the Birdsboro Borough Council meeting on Monday, July 18, Tieman Detweiler of the Council on Chemical Abuse explained Young Lungs at Play — a grant-funded program by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The borough would receive free signage in exchange for a smokefree and tobacco-free ordinance for Birdsboro’s recreational centers.
Detweiler suggested locations such as basketball courts, pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds. “It does not have to be all-encompassing. You can list them in your policy the exact locations.”
Steven Lusky, a borough council member, struggled with the idea of imposing such an ordi- nance. “Are we really going to enforce it? I don’t know where it stops. I don’t know where and when we stop it [referring to nonsmoking boundaries]. I don’t know how or why. If we’re not going to enforce it then why do it?”
Detweiler informed Lusky and other council members that there is no right to smoke. “It is not a protected right. That’s why there are policies that can ban it.”
During the discussion, Cindy McGee, borough vice president, disclosed a complaint brought to her attention. There had been a BYS baseball game which had children in attendance. These children were in close proximity of inhaling second-hand smoke. “If that person is a child, they have no choice, but to be there,” said McGee.
Robert Myers, a borough council member, expressed his acceptance. “I would be supportive of such a program for our playgrounds in the community.”
The engaging conversation stimulated by Detweiler’s introduction to the program caused David Blank, borough president, to table further discussion for a later meeting.
Aaron Durso, the borough manager, updated council members on current road projects. The ADA ramp work has begun on Hopewell Street. Once the project is complete, ADA ramps will be installed at Silverbrook and Jefferson, and Silverbrook and West 6th Street. Council also approved an ordinance that would allow Berks EIT collection bureau to subcontract a third party agency to collect and access a 25 percent fee. Council selected liability insurance with Brown and Brown at a cost of $34,161.
Mayor Joesph Peterson was pleased by the outpour of appreciation from some borough residents bearing letters, notes, gifts, and
“I would be supportive of such a program for our playgrounds in the community.” — Robert Myers, a borough council member
food in a show of support for the Birdsboro Police Department. Council members approved the postpone police officer Dave Siedel’s retirement. His retirement is effective on September 9. Officer Siedel agreed to the delay after a tentative new hire for the department sustained a knee injury.
Before the meeting adjourned, Myers sought permission from council members on behalf of the Birdsboro Rotary Club to host a Halloween parade. Council agreed the parade would be held on Thursday, October 20 with a scheduled rain date of Thursday, October 27. This discussion led the council to decide Trick or Treat night, which will occur Monday, October 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The next council meeting is Monday, August 15.