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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA048 - Comments in favor of proposed ban )PAt" 1214 North 4t" Street Ames, IA 50010 October 3, 2001 Whiskey River 132 Main Street Ames, IA 50010 People's Bar and Grill 2428 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010 Wallaby's 3720 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010 Cyclone Truck Stop 1811 S. Dayton Ave Ames, IA 50010 Dublin Bay 320 So. 16t" Street Ames, IA 50010 Tradewinds Cafe 115 S. Fifth Street Ames, IA 50010 Gentlemen/Ladies: We believe the Ames Tobacco Ordinance does provide a measure of safety from lung cancer to all the citizens of this city. We therefore support the present ordnance. We choose not to support or patronize any bar or restaurant that is suing the City of Ames to revoke or disable the ordnance. e. (jity A. I nB ny K. Callahan of Ames Memo City Clerk's Office Caring People Quality Programs Exceptional Service TO: Members of the City Council, Mayor Tedesco FROM: Karen Thompson DATE: January 16, 2001 SUBJECT: citizen's comments Barb Gauger called the Clerk's office today to state that she feels Ames needs an aquatic center more than it needs new parks. In addition, she agrees on the compromise smoking arrangement,but would like the Council to address the issue of designated outdoor smoking areas. October 27, 2000 -Tr-168 ;* yan, OCT 3 0 2000 ; Sharon Wirth 1 st Ward ' CITY c Steve Goodhue, 2nd Ward I CITY OF AMES, Iowa Ann Campbell, 3rd Ward Herman C. Quirmbach, 4th Ward Judie Hoffman, City At-Large Russ Cross, City At-Large Dear Mayor and City Council: I am writing about the non-smoking ordinance. I hope that if you do pass such an ordinance, that you also include areas within so many feet of the public entrances to the buildings involved, as well as the walkways leading up to public entrances. I fear that if you restrict only the inside, then smokers will congregate near the entrances even more than they already do and we will all be walking through even more potent clouds of cigarette smoke to get into these buildings. To me, this is a greater threat to my air than most current non-smoking sections. If we are to be protected by law to be in a building that is open to the public without having to inhale cigarette smoke, then we should be able to get into these buildings without having to inhale it either. Thank you for your consideration. OU',L� Diane M. Whisnant 1705 Buchanan Drive Ames IA 50010-4327 NOV 1 3 2000 CITY CLERKS JMMARY AUXILIARY OFi11rr zrt s,towA GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER 1111 DUFF AVENUE,AMES,IA 50010 (515)239-2210 October 24, 2000 Dear Mayor Tedesco and Members of the Ames City Council: By giving life to projects in our local communities, the Auxiliary enables Mary Greeley Medical Center to realize its vision of advancing the health of central Iowa individuals. Therefore, in accordance with the Surgeon General of the United States, as well as the Ames medical community, the Mary Greeley Medical Center Auxiliary Board unanimously voted at its October 18th board meeting, to endorse the tobacco smoking ban in Ames restaurants and bars. As a board, we feel passionate in our responsibility to enhance the quality of life of our constituents—the men, women and children of the city of Ames, and thus urge you to commit to a smoke-free ordinance. Sincerely, Mary Greeley Medical Center Auxiliary Board n Strehlowze Li' a Wils Be math Je an Lin' Cruse) Sue Burjc \ DePdanyknMoehlman Gibson �i��—^ �Cindy Wahl` x iar s Deb Keefe kt"hMarrs 4� 'fiU-JVt4'--' Jane Millem October 18, 2000 0 2000 a- -.- -iiY\-_-..— CI?�'CLt CITY Of AIDES,IOWA To The Members of the Ames City Council: Thank you on behalf of the Ames Tobacco Task Force for your thoughtful consideration and action to help Ames move a step closer to smoke free dining despite the controversy you have encountered. Throughout the almost three year history of the committee,health concerns have been our sole motivator. Our current commitment to pass an ordinance in the interest of public health is very simply based on three facts: • Studies have shown that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. • Secondhand smoke is dangerous for the health of children. • Secondhand smoke is dangerous for adult health. We will continue to be dedicated to public education about the proven dangers of secondhand smoke and to all initiatives that remove or minimize those dangers. Again, we thank you for your action on October 10 and look forward to progress toward our goal. - Sincerely, The Ames Tobacco Task Force a"CL law *ove' } Page 1 of 2 pac Lem Karen Thompson From: "Wade ZimmermanW" <ZimmermanW@Icsnet.com> To: <kcthompson@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2000 3:20 PM Subject: Smoking Ban I am not sure who to send this letter to but your address was the easiest to find on the web-site. Honorable Mayor and Member of City Council: I am writing this letter because I will be unable to attend the meeting on Tuesday, October 10, 2000. I would like to voice my full support for the proposed smoking ban in the city of Ames. It has long been my position that I should not be subject to second-hand smoke simply because I want to have a nice meal outside of my home. I have rarely been in a restaurant where the smoke from a'separate' smoking section did not interfere with my meal. I will not go into the health issue as I am sure you have heard enough of that argument. Although that is of significant concern to me as well. I should not be forced to compromise my health by going to a restaurant neither should I have to choose not to go to a restaurant because I do not want to subject myself to second-hand smoke. I have seen a lot of letters to the editor and heard arguments that this will reduce business or drive restaurants out of business. I consider that to be ludicrous. Restaurant owners may, in fact, see an initial decline but it will wear off very quickly and business will be back to the usual. People will not all out stop going to restaurants because they don't allow smoking. In fact, I have found that a lot of restaurants will choose to become non-smoking when they are busy because they can move many more patrons through and have a full restaurant. Otherwise, they have a partially full smoking section and a completely full non-smoking section with a line 45 minutes long or more. I moved here from Salt Lake City, UT. Utah has a ban on smoking in all public places. I was never so happy to go out to dinner, dancing, or for a drink. It was comfortable, I didn't stink when I got home, and best of all I was not 'stuffed up' and coughing the next day. I'll tell you what, the restaurant industry was not hurting one bit for business in Utah and it will not suffer here either. Owners talk about losing the late night smoking crowd, what about those people who choose not to go to the bar late because of the smoke? Do they not count? It won't hurt the smokers to not smoke for an hour or so but it certainly does hurt the non-smoker!!! I have also heard the argument that government should not interfere, don't fall into this trap, etc. These are just comments from people who have no basis to argue with so they use the 'G' word(goverment)to scare people into listening to them. The fact is that government is supposed to protect us, they are supposed to monitor these types of situations and make sure the public is safe. I don't know where they are coming up with their arguments but a restaurant owner cannot operate without following many, many regulations. These people make it sound like this would be the first rule they had to follow. It is just stupid. In conclusion, I urge you to push on with the smoking ban (even the full ban). You have my full support as a young, concerned resident of Ames. Sincerely, Wade K. Zimmerman I4102 Rj69(,Wotad AN16• 10/11/2000 Page 2 of 2 1402 Ridgewood Ave. 10/11/2000 � ro - =ODD Ames City Council Members, am looking forward to the Ames City Council's discussion of a Smoke-Free Restaurant Ordinance. As a Mary Greeley respiratory therapist for 15 years, much of my time has been committed to tobacco prevention and cessation with Ames youth. My prevention education in the schools has focused on addictive properties of nicotine, risks of tobacco use and the misconception by youth that a majority of adults are smokers. We need to change this perception as it leads youth to begin smoking. Through an Ames smoke-free restaurant ordinance, we can do that by reducing the amount of public smoking our youth are exposed to. Anne Stark 319 J Ave Nevada la Page 1 of 1 P . A) "04) Jill Ripperger From: Linda Muston <muston@mgmc.com> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Cc: Natalie Battles (E-mail) <nbattles@cancer.org> Sent: Friday, October 06, 2000 10:25 AM Subject: City Council Information Please include this information in the City Council packets for October 10, 2000: To the Members of the Ames City Council: With respect for concerns expressed by local restaurant owners, the Ames Tobacco Task Force supports the restaurants' advocacy for the inclusion of bars in the smoke free ordinance being considered by the Ames City Council. We believe that this partnership will result in prompt resolution and implementation to "clear the air" in Ames. Linda Muston for the Ames Tobacco Task Force 10/6/2000 f -00 1603 Northwestern Ames, IA 50010 Ulb October 2, 2000 OCT — 4 2000 CITY CLERK Ames City Council CITY OF AMES,IOWA _ 515 Clark Ave. Ames, IA 50010 Dear Ames City Council Members, I am writing in regards to the proposed smoking ban in all Ames restaurants. I would like to offer my reasons for this to help make the decision. On September 12, 2000 1 attended a meeting of the city council. At this meeting many people attended to support this proposed ban. I was there to fill a requirement for government class, but I firmly supported the people that talked in front of the council. Attending this meeting made me think of why I really supported this ban. I support this ban for two main reasons. One is the atmosphere smoking brings to a meal. Going out to eat is a treat, and should be enjoyed. I have had two experiences where my family and I asked to sit in the non-smoking section and constantly had smoke floating over into our faces and our food. This made the meal very unpleasant, and I feel a smoking ban would help my family and other families as well. Another reason is the health issues second had smoke brings on. I know of many people that are allergic to smoke, and can't breathe very well when there is smoke in the air. This makes it kind of hard to eat a meal and enjoy it at the same time. Second hand smoke is a major killer of Americans each year, and I am hoping that the city of Ames can help crack down on this killer. Thank you for considering my side of the story and for considering a smoking ban in Ames' restaurants. I wish you luck in your decision. Sincerely, &M)j� .44� Emily Smith Page 1 of 1 P K1-5 00 Diane Voss From: Clare Bills <billsc@city.ames.ia.us> To: <voss@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 11:23 AM Subject: Fw: Smoking Ban ----- Original Message----- From: Clifton Bethel To: billsc(_)city.ames.ia.us Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 5:45 PM Subject: Smoking Ban Dear Bill, I read with interest the minutes of the Sept. 12, 2000 Ames City Council meeting. I was wondering if you received a letter of support for the smoking ban ordinance on behalf of "Tobacco Free Q.C.? (I didn't see any mention of that in the minutes.) Let me say that while I understand the objections of those opposed to the ordinance, their concerns are largely unfounded. The fact is that apporximately 80% of Iowans are non-smokers. Therefore the owners of restraurants would actually be catering to the majority. It does not take a C.P.A. to figure out that business will probably increase. Secondly, to assume that restaurant owners will somehow voluntarily put in place a non-smoking venue, is folly. These owners are operating under erroneus assumptions about their bottom-line. In every instance where non-smoking bans have been instituted, the restaurants have either had no noticeable decrease in business or it increases. Coupled with that is the decrease in sick days due to smoking-related illness (like increased frequency of colds, flu, etc.) by those employees exposed to second-hand smoke. I sincerely hope that your council has the wisdom, foresight and courage to vote for a smoking ban ordinance in Ames. Remember 80% of Ames voters are non-smokers and are also hoping you pass the ordinance. Sincerely, Clifton Bethel Get a sneak preview of the new MSN: http://preview.msn.com/ 9/25/2000 Se,P . 12 . 2000 10 : 30AM GEN . EAST ADMIN . 319-421 -6500 No - 1976 P . 212 TOB���r. -�ACCOW. Tee 1227 FAST RUSHOLME STREET September 12, 2000 DAVENPORT,IOWA 52803 2112 25TH AVENUE ROCK ISLAND,ILLINOIS 61201 Karen Thompson, Deputy City Clerk Council Chambers City Hall 515 Clark Street Ames,IA 50010 Dear Ms. Thompson, This letter is being written in support of the proposal that would ban smoking in Ames restaurants. Tobacco Free QC is a coalition of IS healthcare organizations in the Quad City area from both Iowa and Illinois. Our goal is to make the Quad Cities a healthier place to live by reducing tobacco use and helping limit exposure to second-hand smoke while helping people who want to quit smoking accomplish this. We strongly support the efforts to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke by banning smoking in the public buildings,particularly in restaurants. It is clear that exposure to second-band smoke has negative effects on persons exposed. Exposure to second-hand smoke can have the same deleterious effects on health as someone who smokes regularly. This includes the risk of cancer as well as increased risk for respiratory infections, development of chronic lung disease and emphysema, and exacerbation of asthma. Exposure to second-hand smoke by employees of the restaurant has been shown to increase absenteeism and respiratory illness as well. Studies have also shown that restaurant revenue is not decreased and in fact,may be increased. This is supported by the fact that approximately 76%of people in the state of Iowa are non- smokers, and many indicated that would frequent restaurants more often if they were smoke-free. Therefore we believe that is in the best interest of the public and for employees in restaurants and other such establishments that smoking be banned from these locations. Thank you for this opportunity to provide support to the proposal being considered. Sincerely, J!A. Lehrman y Ran gel gel kcyder Martin Tinb g arog i�� Gu dac�o 9-/-1-00 Page 1 of 1 Karen Thompson From: "Neal Bowers"<nbowers@iastate.edu> To: <kcthompson@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2000 1:04 PM Subject: Smoking Ban in Ames Restuarants September 9, 2000 To the Ames City Council: We'd like to add our voices to the many who have expressed the desire for a smoking ban in Ames restaurants. It is our observation that banning smoking does not decrease business, as in the example of Hickory Park. We also have noticed that in restaurants which have a smoking section the air is contaminated throughout with the odor of smoke. At Country Kitchen, for example, it wafts across the salad bar that non-smoking patrons must use. We burned our leaves for years and were saddened to have that fall tradition banned. But, we knew that it was in the best interests of the community at large. Surely, smokers can make the same concession to those of us who would like to have fresh and pleasant indoor air. Thank you for your consideration. Nancy and Neal Bowers 1507 Carroll 232-0227 9/12/2000 �Kfs, C1 -o� o0 Dear Mayor Tedesco and City Council Members, Over the last six months, the issue of smoking in restaurants has come to the fore in Ames. The issue will be discussed at the September 12 City Council meeting and, ironically, coincides with the celebration of National Respiratory Care Week September 10 through 16. While this issue has become politically charged, we remain firm in our support of an ordinance eliminating smoking in eating establishments. As respiratory therapists we, more than most, understand the damage smoking causes -- not only for the smoker, but to those exposed to the toxins released in second hand smoke. This is not a political issue, it is a public health issue. Second hand smoke ranks third as a major preventable cause of death. Preventable. That says it all. It would be perfect timing, and the right thing to do, for the City Council to support an ordinance eliminating smoking in eating establishments during National Respiratory Care Week. We urge them to do so. Sincerely, Respiratory Care Staff Tammy Jarnagin, Director Mary Greeley Medical Center Page 1 of 1 Fes. Jill Ripperger From: Jeff and Nancy Stevenson <jeffnancy@centurytel.net> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Thursday, September 07, 2000 4:25 PM Subject: smoking ordinance Dear Council Members, Congratulations on leading the state in considering a smoking ordinance for restaurants! We moved from Ames to La Crosse, WI 3 years ago, and La Crosse passed one last fall. There was a lot of fear of the unknown among the restaurant owners here too,but since it has been in effect there have been no complaints. Several restaurants outside the city have recently also gone smokefree, admitting that their smoking sections just aren't filling up. It has been an extremely positive improvement in the city now that we can go out and breathe decent air, and not feel and smell like smoke when coming home. (The difference in my breathing when dealing with others' smoke or not is enormous!) And it has been a positive message for kids and teens that both smoking and passive smoking is an unhealthy choice. Surely, all of you realize that this is a serious health risk for everyone. Please pass this ordinance. Thank you, Nancy Stevenson 9/8/2000 �MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER 1111 DUFF AVENUE,AMES,IA 50010 (515)239-2011 September 7, 2000 Dear Mayor Tedesco and Members of the Ames City Council: At its meeting on August 28, 2000, the Mary Greeley Medical Center Board of Trustees passed the following motion: Mary Greeley Medical Center's Vision and Mission Statements call for our commitment to advance the health of central Iowa individuals; and the Surgeon General of the United States in unison with the medical profession has declared tobacco use, whether direct or indirect, as injurious to our health; therefore, the Mary Greeley Medical Center Board of Trustees urges the City Council to ban smoking of any kind in the restaurants in the City of Ames. As a public health issue, the Board of Trustees urges your support for a smoking ban in Ames restaurants. Sincerely, 1z"e Karl Friederich, Secretary Board of Trustees cc: Steve Schainker PAZ. 9-8-do 1W McFarland Clinic PC September 6,2000 Mayor Ted Tedesco Ames City Council Members 515 Clark Avenue Ames, Iowa 50010 Dear Mayor Tedesco and City Council: On August 28, 2000, the McFarland Clinic PC Board of Directors voted at its regular scheduled meeting to unanimously support the following resolution: "With concern for the serious public health impact of environmental tobacco smoke,McFarland Clinic PC supports the adoption of an ordinance by the Ames City Council to ban tobacco smoking in restaurants." McFarland Clinic PC Board of Directors represents the 190 physicians, 58 mid-level and 27 allied healthcare professionals of our multi-specialty clinic. Please give this resolution and the medical community support careful consideration. Thank you. Sincerely, McFarland Clinic PC lV/" �110 Dr. Michael Kitchell Board President 1215 Duff Avenue P.O. Box 3014 Ames, Iowa 50010 515-239-4400 fax 515-239-4498 www.mcfariandclinic.com 3122 Kingman Road Ames, Iowa 50014 September 6, 2000 Dear Ames City Council: I encourage you to pass an ordinance banning tobacco smoking in restaurants to safeguard the health of the citizens of Ames. There is no dispute in the scientific community that environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), in both smokers and non-smokers, is a known carcinogen and that it also exacerbates a wide range of medical problems ranging from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, respiratory infections and sudden infant death. Studies have also shown that designated smoking areas in restaurants do not offer sufficient protection against exposure to ETS. I feel that we have a right to be protected from these hazardous influences. As a community volunteer who helped to establish the Ames Free Medical Clinic, I see too often the consequences of ETS. A large percentage of our patients are 18-60 years of age, working in minimum wage jobs (including restaurant workers) with no health insurance. One of our more common problems is recurrent respiratory infection that are resistant to common antibiotics. If our patients are already displaying significant health problems related to ETS at a young age, I fear for their health in the future. We know from the experience of numerous cities that the economic impact of smoking ordinances, if anything, has been positive. Indeed, the majority of the public experiences annoyance and discomfort from ETS exposure. In many studies, the boost in sales by nonsmokers increasing their restaurant patronage far outweighed any loss in sales to smokers. Additional economic benefits arose from decreased cleaning costs, decreased insurance costs and reduced employee absenteeism. If reducing ETS is good for public health and good for the economy,whom does it hurt? The major impact is on tobacco companies. Internal industry memos published in the Wall Street Journal indicate that initiatives for non-smokers rights are considered a major threat to the tobacco industry and considerable industry resources have been marshaled to discourage restrictions on smoking. The argument that government should not interfere in the lives of individuals seems hollow to me. When pollutants were being released into College Creek and when a radioactive waste dump was detected near my neighborhood, I counted on my government to protect me even though no one had gotten sick yet. Why can't I count on my government to protect me from one of the most common environmental hazards that is entirely preventable? Sincerely, Mary M. Kitchell 292-3817 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: <Tesardo@aol.com> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2000 9:37 PM Subject: Smoking Ban Dear City Council: As a citizen and registered voter of Ames, I strongly urge the Ames City Council to pass the ordinance to ban tobacco smoking in local restaurants. As a nonsmoker, I am greatly concerned about the risk of secondhand smoke. I believe we need to set a better example for the youth of Ames. I am appalled at the number of young people who I see smoking. I have witnessed the pain and suffering inflicted by lung cancer. It is truly devastating and every effort should be made to eliminate smoking in Ames. A smokers right to smoke infringes on my right to breath clean air and endangers MY health. Prior to moving to Ames, I live for 33 years in California. I can only underscore how much I appreciated the nonsmoking ordinances in restaurants and even bars in California. There are many restaurants in Ames that my husband and I do not frequent because of the presence of smoking. Please ban tobacco smoking in restaurants! Sincerely, Dr. Ann Sardo 9/6/2000 SEP - 52a k SEPTEMBER 4, 2000 -� CITY CLERK HONORABLE MAYOR AMD CITY COUNCI CITY OF A E 10WA THE TIME HAS COME TO BAN POISONOUS TOBACCO SMOKE FROM PUBLIC EATING FACILITIES IN THE CITY OF AMES. OUR PUBLIC DINING ENVIRONMENT NEEDS CLEANSING. THE AMES MEDICAL COMMUNITY NOW RECOMMENDS THE ELIMINATION OF RESTAURANT SMOKING IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL, NOT ONLY THE THOSE SUFFERING FROM REPIRATORY PROBLEMS AND ALLERGIES , BUT FOR THE HEALTHY AS WELL A. WELDON WALSH 1100 ADAMS STREET 126 AMES, IOWA 50010 515-232 3012 September 4, 2000 To: Members, Ames City Council From: Bob Rod �_ SEP — 6 � Re: Proposed Ordinance Banning Smoking in Ames Restaurants ©ITY CE_ CITY AMES,IOWA Following the suggestion of George Belitsos in his letter to the editor in the 8-19-00 edition of the Ames Tribune, I am writing to strongly urge you to pass such an ordinance and briefly explain why I take this stand on the issue. George and a number of other individuals who have sent letters to the Tribune in the past few days have clearly laid out some of the important reasons why smoking should be banned in restaurants: well-documented research which has clearly established that secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard; persons who already smoke are more likely to quit the habit when there are fewer places where they can smoke; young persons are less likely to take up smoking if they are exposed to fewer places where adults are smoking; smokers are in the minority in our nation and have been for many years. I mainly wish to share my personal feelings on this issue, which I am aware are shared by many others in our community. I find that being exposed to secondhand smoke in a restaurant has become an increasingly unpleasant experience for me, to the point that I am almost hesitant to patronize a restaurant that allows smoking. Having to breathe secondhand smoke greatly diminishes my enjoyment of the dining experience. Sitting in the non-smoking section of the restaurant rarely eliminates the problem of secondhand smoke drifting in from the smoking section. I note that the Chamber of Commerce has weighed in with opposition to the proposed ordinance, but from a business standpoint, it is my belief that restaurant business would increase with the passage of the ordinance. I am sure you are all aware that the volume of business at Ames' largest restaurant (Hickory Park) has not suffered by going to a non-smoking policy-the lines are just as long there as ever. This has also been the experience of a number of other restaurants in both Ames and other cities who have gone non-smoking. If there are those restaurants who fear their business would suffer if they went non-smoking, common sense would dictate that the "level playing field" established by a city ordinance would alleviate the problem of smokers abandoning a non-smoking restaurant in favor of one which allowed smoking. Where would smokers go if all restaurants were non-smoking? My personal belief is that two things would happen. First of all, restaurants would experience an increase in business from persons such as myself who are eating out less often now simply because we are tired of battling secondhand smoke. Secondly, smokers would learn by experience that they can forego smoking for the one to two hours it takes to eat at a restaurant, just as they do now when they attend a worship service at their church, a movie at a theater, or a concert at CY Stephens. In my 40 years of living in Ames, I have found our city to be a progressive community, one that has been willing to take the lead on issues that other cities have been hesitant to tackle. I would be proud to see you continue the tradition and "do the right thing" on this issue! MAR Y GREELE Y MEDICAL CENTER 1111 DUFF AVENUE,AMES,IA 50010 (515)239-2011 September 1, 2000 Dear Mayor Tedesco and Members of the Ames City Council: The Mary Greeley Medical Staff Executive Committee on behalf of all of the members of the MGMC medical staff supports the adoption of an Ames ordinance prohibiting tobacco smoking in restaurants. This action is based on our public health concerns: • Second-hand smoke ranks third as a major preventable cause of death behind active smoking and alcohol. • For more than 30 years, tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke have been identified as serious public health hazards. • During the past 10 years, a scientific consensus has emerged that second-hand smoke is a major cause of lung cancer and respiratory disease in young people. More recently, evidence has accumulated of a causal link to heart disease. • Second-hand smoke is one of the major environmental health risks. • A smoke free ordinance will protect restaurant workers, children and all customers from exposure to second-hand smoke. We ask your commitment to the health of our community through your support for this ordinance. Zichard rely, Carano, M.D. Chief of Staff Ja s Trahan, M.D. Chief of Staff Elect Steven Hallberg, D. Secretary Mary Greeley Medical Center Medical Executive Committee (� ( � ��,Q La,-sin,M•� let (f Pali 6,9 McFarland Clinic PC 1215 Duff Avenue P.O. Box 3014 Ames, Iowa 50010-3014 (515)239-4400 FAX#(515)239-4498 August 31 , 2000 Gp _ CITY CLERK CITY OF AfNES,IOWA Mayor Ted Tedesco Ames City Council 515 Clark Ames , IA 50010 Dear Mayor : This letter is to add my support for the proposed ban on smoking in restaurants . A prior commitment unfortunately precludes my being present at the Tuesday night meeting on September 12 . However, I would lend my voice to the chorus of physicians who share my perspective that smoking is a serious public health risk and while I do support the decision of an individual to be a smoker, I do not think it is reasonable to have people smoking in the presence of others when that may impact their health, an issue particularly compelling for children. The verdict is in on the implications of second-hand smoke . This is not merely an annoyance but has been demonstrated to increase the incidence of allergies , asthma, and even cancer including breast and lung, as well as heart disease . I am dubious that there is any economic disadvantage to the restaurant business in Ames from my understandings of empiric data on the subject , but even if there were some concern in that regard, I think this would be easily offset by this public health measure . I hope this letter finds you in good health. Please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns . Sincerely, i)�_) Jay E . Brown, M.D . Allergy/Immunology JEB : cat Page Iof1 Jill Ripperger From: Laurent Hodges <Ihodges@iastate.edu> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2000 3:34 PM Subject: Smoking Ban Support I certainly hope the Ames City Council will, indeed, ban smoking in Ames restaurants. We usually avoid restaurants that allow smoking anywhere in the restaurant, even though some of these (such as Beaudelaire, O'Malley and McGee's, and Cafe Northwest) are the types of restaurants we would patronize regularly if they were non-smoking restaurants. Laurent Hodges 2115 Coneflower Court Ames, Iowa 50014 9/5/2000 AUG 28 2000 i 08/27/00 ,---CITY CLERK To The City Council CITY f AMES,IOWA .` I am writing to voice my opinion,concerning the proposed ordinance banning smoking in the Ames restaurants. I would STRONGLY encourage you to vote FOR this ordinance. I recently accompanied my daughter on her relocation to Santa Barbara,Calif. She began her college career there on Tues.the 22nd of this month. We were required to be there one week early,since she decided to become a member of their soccer team. Since the dorms were not to become available until the 20`h of the month,this meant living in a motel,and eating in a variety of restaurants. I bring this up for the following reason. I NEVER had to worry about hearing,"smoking or non-smoking",since smoking ANYWERE indoors in California is against the law. It was absolutely wonderful. I simply cannot understand how ANYONE can argue for the right to pollute the air that others are forced to breathe. I couldn't believe when I read that the Ames Chamber of Commerce voted against the ordinance. It's obvious to me,that these folks care 100%about the bottom line($),and have absolutely NO INTEREST in the health and well-being of the residents of Ames,as well as the health of people visiting,as I was in Santa Barbara. I think it is completely foolish to tell visitors to our city,"yes,there are no-smoking restaurants in Ames,you'll just have to search them out". I'd like to also call attention to a common misconception. Many of the restaurant owners/managers complain that their business will be affected. Yes,it could very well be affected,but believe it or not,it will most likely be for the better. Have they bothered to notice that Ames' most popular restaurant(Hickory Park)is non-smoking? The folks that feel they absolutely MUST be allowed to smoke, will more than likely either stay home, which would last only a short time,or decide that just maybe they can wait until after dinner and then smoke outside. I know that smokers seem to feel they are being discriminated against,but as far as I'm concerned (and I feel the majority of intelligent individuals)I believe THEY are being VERY SELFISH in insisting on being able to smoke ANYWHERE inside. They should feel lucky they are not in Calif You cannot even smoke in the bars in CA! We spent the week of Christmas in California this past December, and it was really nice to be able to stop-in at a bar once in awhile and not have to smell the cigarette stunk. As they say,"everything begins on the coast and moves toward the center". I say,if we really want to think of Ames as being the progressive city all(?)of us like to think it is,then PLEASE pass this ordinance. Include the bars also. Show the folks here in Ames that you mean business. Don't let a few people in the restaurant business buffalo you into not passing this ordinance. We NEED this ordinance, and a lot more. Thank you, Bruce Vance 1549 Reagan Dr. Ames 232-7662 McFarland Clinic, P.C. 1215 Duff Avenue P.O.Box 3014 Ames, Iowa 50010-3014 (515)239-4400 FAX#(515)239-4498 August 24, 2000 Q d AUG 2 9 2H CITY CLERK CITY OF AMES,10WA Dear Reader: I am a Family Practice physician and have seen much of the disease that firsthand and secondhand smoking cause. I support the efforts to ban smoking in public places. This ban seems important to me for two reasons. First, the workers in restaurants where smoking is permitted, whether it be in nonsmoking or smoking sections, are being exposed to daily chemicals that can harm them. Second, I think that the less our impressionable youth see adults smoking, the less they will think that this is a normal acceptable way of life. Hopefully, fewer of them will, therefore, start smoking. An across the board ruling for all restaurants in the Ames area to stop smoking should not adversely affect any particular restaurant's business. Sincerely, U, - �JN-D- d Gary i . Erbes, M.D. GME:aml Page 1 of 2 Jill Ripperger From: <DFSJrMD@ao1.com> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2000 9:45 AM Subject: Banning Smoking In Restaurants Please distribute the following to City Council members and any other government officials involved in this issue: d I 8/26/00 u Ladies And Gentlemen: AUG 2 8 2H I was very pleased to learn that the City of Ames is considering the CITY Ci_ERK possibility of banning smoking in restaurants. This has long been a concern CITY OF NOES,IOWA of mine for many reasons: 1. As a restaurant customer, I have found it very difficult to enjoy a night of dining out in Ames. Invariably, smoke will drift across from the "smoking section" into the "nonsmoking section" and the diner is then left to inhale this dank, foul odor while consuming the meal. Odor and taste are closely linked senses in humans, and thus any attempt to enjoy this meal is futile. I have therefore reached a point where I rarely dine out in Ames. It is true that this ban may cause some customers to avoid Ames'restaurants,but it is also true that there are probably many nonsmokers out there who would dine out more often. 2. As a physician, I needn't recite the various health risks associated with smoking as they have been fully publicized in the past. We do need to be mindful of the fact that secondhand smoke has also been scientifically proven to cause health problems and therefore, you are violating the rights of others when you knowingly expose them to this toxic substance. 3. As a psychiatrist, I have great concerns about the (scientifically proven)mood-altering and addictive qualities of tobacco (or more specifically, nicotine). This substance in my opinion is no different from many street drugs which we spend millions of dollars a year to eradicate. The tobacco companies apparently have been targeting our youth knowing full well that this is the most opportune time to initiate an addiction. It appears that their efforts are more successful than ever. Just recently the Des Moines Register reported on their front page that one-third of all Iowa high school students now smoke and twelve percent of all middle-school students smoke! This is unacceptable and could potentially become an astounding public health problem. I realize that the proposed smoking ban in Ames will not necessarily solve this problem,but isn't it a step in the right direction? We need to set a positive example for our youth, because I can assure you,they are watching us and learning from our behavior. 4. As a citizen of Ames, I would be proud to live in a city which was the first and only city in the state to enact such a measure. The state of California and New York City have established such bans. Other cities which have banned smoking included Madison Wisconsin, and Austin, Texas. These are two university cities which are frequently mentioned in national publications as some of the best places to live in the country, and it is generally thought that their citizens are enlightened and progressive. One restaurant 8/28/2000 Page 2 of 2 owner was quoted in the paper as saying that Ames is not Aspen, Colorado. Why wouldn't we want to have more in common with such places? Would we rather be identified as some hick town which is full of smoky,beer-stained bar and grills? 5. As a libertarian, I have my qualms about any government interference in our lives. It should be remembered however, that this is not so much a restriction of individuals who smoke as it is protection for those who do not smoke. There is ample precedent in terms of the governmental regulation of unsafe and unhealthy behavior. There are times when people do need to be protected from the destructive behavior of others,particularly when addictions are involved. It is not enough to simply leave the issue to restaurant owners since they may fearful of losing customers to other restaurants. This citywide ban would create a level playing field for all restaurants. I hope that you will take these views into consideration and ultimately act in a manner which is beneficial for the citizens of Ames. Respectfully, Douglas F. Steenblock, M.D. Ames, Iowa 8/28/2000 Page I of 1 Jill Ripperger From: L. Hodges <I.hodges@prodigy.net> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2000 7:24 PM Subject: letterto city council Dear City Council Members, I urge you to vote to ban smoking in all restaurants in Ames. My husband and I like to eat out and to try a variety of restaurants. However, there are a number of restaurants that we just can't go to because the smoke is so bad. The non-smoking areas in these restaurants are not adequate in preventing smoke from drifting over. Please make it possible for us to try some "new" restaurants. Thank you, Linda Hodges 2115 Coneflower Ct. Ames, 50014 8/24/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: <DaveOesper@aol.com> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 8:46 PM Subject: Smoking Ban in Ames Restaurants Please include our names in the list of people supporting a TOTAL BAN ON SMOKING in Ames restaurants. George Belitsos is right, and we feel the time is now to follow many other communities around the nation in completely banning smoking in our restaurants. Sincerely yours, David& Joan Oesper 1208 Wilson Ave. Ames, Iowa 50010-5426 8/22/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: Mary Lynch <marynalan@yahoo.com> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2000 9:26 PM ` Subject: Nonsmoking in Ames Restaurants r Dear Ames City Council, p AUG ' 1 20M In Saturday's Ames Tribune,we read the article in the Opinion section about a decision you are about to make as to whether all Ames restaurants should be `"—CITY CLERK nonsmoking. We are VERY much in favor of creating a CITY OF----A►�' A" nonsmoking environment in the restaurants. What a wonderful way to improve the city of Ames! Please make this a reality! Thank you! Alan and Mary Lynch Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail-Free email you can access from anywhere! http-.//mail.yahoo.com/ 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: A R Anderson <aranders@iastate.edu> .. � To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Sunday,August 20, 2000 5:02 PM Subject: Smoke free I've been in several eating places that only allowed smoking in certain AUG L j sections. I've sat in non-smoking sections and still received a large dose of second hand smoke and cigarette smoke. I would like to see all CITY CLERK " eating places go smoke free. The Mandarin went smoke free and it CITY OF AMES,IOWA doesn't seem to have hurt their business. Thanks, Art Anderson 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: <Klidman@aol.com> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2000 3:13 PM * I m Subject: Banning Smoking in Ames Restaurants a My husband and I are in favor of banning smoking in Ames restaurants. AUG _ We encourage the Ames City Council to ban smoking in Ames " restaurants at their upcoming September 12, 2000 Council Meeting. L-r- CITY Cf_ERK Sincerely, CITY OF AMPS,IOVIA Karen Lidman 8/21/2000 Page IofI Jill Ripperger From: Dick Fuhler<rhfflag@uswest.net> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 11:45 PM Subject: Smoking ban Y� I I am a resident of Ames, and I do support requiring the restaurants in Ames to be "smoke free." I lived in a community(Flagstaff,AZ) that ; AUG ( 2000 enacted this program about 5 or 6 yrs. ago, and with very few exceptions it was strongly supported by the community. Smoking is usually not t- CITY CLLERKERK —i permitted in offices for the safety of the employees, and I think that �F CITY OF AMES,IOWA some from of protection should be afforded to the employees of these eating establishments. Please put me in the "yes" column when reporting to the Council. Thank you. Richard H. Fuhler 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 AUG 2 12000 Jill Ripperger Y CITY CLERK From: <Jbj1 @aol.com> CITY OF AMES,IOWA To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> " Cc: <DCrosswait@aol.com> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 4:09 PM Subject: Smoking issue Please add my voice to all those who encourage the Ames City Council to ban smoking in local restaurants. While restaurants may have smoking and non-smoking areas, frequently you must pass through the smoking area to reach the restroom or the cashier. I consider this is a health issue for me as well as my children and grand children. Let's set an example for the next generation and a precedent in Iowa by banning smoking in restaurants in Ames. Thank you, Jane Johnson 4112 Stone Brooke Rd. Ames, IA 50010 233-4976 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 u Jill Ripperger I From: Laurie Freeburg <Ireeburg@email.ames.k12.ia.us> To: ripperger<ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> CITY CLERK Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 4:07 PM i CITY Of ACES,IOWA Subject: Please copy for all members... Dear City Council member, Between the ages of 20-30 I smoked all seven minutes of three packs of cigarettes daily. On June 21, 1977, I quit and haven't had a cigarette since. I tell you that so you will know I have been on both sides of this issue. At the age of 40 I was diagnosed as asthmatic. Dust, animals, and smoke trigger attacks for me that sometimes send me to the emercency room if my inhaler is ineffective. We always ask to be seated in the non-smoking section of a restaurant, but as I'm sure you've all experienced, often there is inadequate separation and ventilation. Many times an entire evening, much less the meal,has been a waste for me. I enthusiastically endorse the idea of making restaurants in our town non-smoking! Our daughter has spent the last ten years supporting herself by waiting tables in various restaurants. Most recently she worked at Mondo's Tomato Pie in Iowa City. That restaurant took the bold step of forbidding smoking a year or so ago, and they have not seen ANY decline in their sales. For as long as I can remember, it has been unlawful to smoke at a movie theater. That has not kept many smokers from seeing movies. And it takes about the same time to consume a meal out as to see a show. Fires in theaters caused untimely deaths and being subjected to second-hand smoke has been proven dangerous as well. I've been a teacher since 1970, and I strive to convince my first graders not to smoke. I am keenly aware of the impact that media, advertising, and peer pressure have on youth. Making our restaurants smoke-free would provide a healthier environment for workers and customers. It would also help set a better example for our children. Please consider this issue carefully and make the decision that would benefit the most people in the most important way! Thanks for taking the time to read and consider this note. Sincerely, Laurie Freeburg 4010 Stone Brooke Road Ames, IA 50010 515-232-5353 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: len and donna monte <Idmonte@ames.net> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> 0 Sent: Saturday,August 19, 2000 3:24 PM k Subject: Eliminate smoking in Ames restaurants AUG Dear Ames City Clerk, I am wholeheartedly in favor of banning all smoking in all restaurants ....�� in Ames !! CITY CLERK CITY OF.A ES,101 A _ Further, I am embarrassed that for thirty-five years I gave little or no �-- thought to the rights of non-smokers to breathe clean air, unfouled by my lousy habit. Then I contracted cancer---a direct result of my smoking. My doctors said, "Quit or die." Thankfully,I became a cancer survivor after eight bouts of surgery, forty sessions of chemotherapy and countless days, months and years of surgery, exams,worry and trauma. Cancer is a real agony!! Now, every time I go into a restaurant, I ask to be seated in a non-smoking area. The smoke from tobacco in the "Smoking permitted" area doesn't seem to understand that it is not supposed to invade the non-smoking area. Consequently, I still smell its acrid stench, and worry that someone else's bad habit may reawaken MY cancer. Then I worry, instead of simply enjoying my meal. I prefer going to restaurants where non-smoking is already the policy,but sometimes it is inconvenient or unavoidable. I believe most restaurant owners (and certainly the workers)would prefer to institute a policy of"No Smoking" but they fear a certain loss of revenue from smokers. If the policy were uniformly enforced in the entire city, it would clear the way for them to change their policy with no repercussions from consumers, other than encouraging us smoke-haters to eat out more often. Please give all of us air-breathing mammals a break. Help us to eat in peace and safety. Ban smoking in Ames restaurants and forgive us idiots who, in years past,were so unknowing and/or so uncaring. Thank you. Sincerely yours, Lenwood Monte, 1422 Jefferson Street,Ames, IA 50010 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: Steven Todd <raet@uswest.net> _ s To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> - •-�-° nn Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 2:58 PM Q LS Subject: Non smoking �---� -� Please ban smoking in restaurants. We deserve to be t AUG L 1..d 'I protected from smoke. Thanks! Rae Todd =OFYACMES,RK IOWA.- 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: Bernadette <kbjs@ames.net> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 12:48 PM Subject: smoking ban L4 L5 AUG 2 12000 I would like the City Council to vote to support a smoking ban in restaurants in Ames. Smokers do not have a right to make others ill. CITY CLERK Thanks for your efforts on our behalf _ CITY OF AMES,IOWA Bernadette Siebert 1229 McKinley Drive Ames, IA 50010 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: Harding <hardings@uswest.net> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 9:15 AM Subject: no smoking restaurants Please remove smoking from all Ames restaurants. We have lived in 2 other college towns that have banned smoking in all restaurants and the " restaurants have not suffered for business. n LAUG > ( ; Thank you, - CITY CLERK Marc and Nicole Harding CITY OF AMES,lOWA 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 Jill Ripperger From: Dorothy A Schwieder<dschwied@iastate.edu> To: <ripperger@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 9:07 AM Subject: anti-smoking rule To whom it may concern: L I strongly urge the city council to pass a resolution banning smoking in CITY CLERK Ames' eating establishments. I feel this would benefit everyone involved. CITYff AMES,IOWA It would be a good health measure and maybe it would send a message to y young people that smoking is very harmful to everyone. Dorothy Schwieder 2218 Donald St. Ames, Iowa 50014 8/21/2000 Page 1 of 1 Karen Thompson From: David D. Kilzer<ddkilzer@computer.org> To: <kcthompson@city.ames.ia.us> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2000 10:39 PM Subject: No smoking in Ames restaurants Hi, I'm probably not sending this to the correct person,but I found it very difficult to find contact information on the City of Ames web site <http://www.city.amgs.ia.us/>, and I found no contact information for the city council or the mayor. I saw on Channel 13 news tonight that the city of Ames is contemplating a ban on smoking in restaurants. I'm writing to say that I would support such a law. If it helps, the city of Austin, Texas has a similar no-smoking law for restaurants on the books. I have some friends from Iowa State that now live in Austin, and they love it! Thanks for your time! 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