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Regular Meeting November 25, 2002 3. Page 3 stated he was a Pulmonologist and supported the prohibitions of smoking. He stated he sees people daily who have smoked for 16 to 25 years and the damage it has caused. He encouraged the Council to prohibit smoking. 18) Linda Hellinger stated she wished to speak regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. She stated she is part of the San Marcos Hospitality organization. She stated she is a nonsmoker who chooses to work in a smoking environment. She encouraged the Council to let the business owners choose for their own businesses. 19) Kelly Mathis stated she wished to read a letter on behalf of Dr. Harrison regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. The letter outlined the harmful effects of second hand smoke. She encouraged Council to fulfill their obligation and strengthen the Ordinance. 20) Carson Doty stated he wished to speak regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. He stated he had the right to breathe clean air. 21) Tim Doty stated he wished to speak regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. He stated he feels people have the right to smoke, but it should not affect others. He also stated this is a difficult issue. He stated this is clearly a health issue and encouraged Council to vote for a total smoking ban. 22) Stoney Williams stated he wished to speak regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. He stated he was the former Mayor of New Braunfels. He stated this Ordinance is about public health. He stated a referendum would be stronger than an Ordinance. He also stated when New Braunfels adopted their Ordinance the businesses did not suffer and the economy has not been hurt. 23) Emilio Carranco stated he wished to speak regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. He stated he is a physician with Southwest Texas State University. He also stated he felt smoking was a choice, not a right. He stated the average citizen does not know second-hand smoke is harmful to children. Smoke spreads through buildings and cannot be filtered out. He encouraged Council to strengthen the current Ordinance. 24) Paul Martin stated he wished to speak regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. He stated he manages a local business. He stated a total smoking ban from the business perspective would be unfair. He feels no one has to put children at risk¡ just do not take them to smoking establishments. He stated parents have a choice not to subject children to second-hand smoke. 25) Machi J. Canchola stated he wished to speak regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. He stated he is the manager at the River Pub & Grill and feels businesses should make their own decisions. He stated both sides have made valid points. He felt those who are for a smoking ban are not business owners. He feels a revision of this Ordinance would hurt private businesses. 26) James Canchola stated he wished to speak regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. He stated he is in the restaurant business and feels any change in the current Ordinance would hurt businesses. He also stated Austin revised their Ordinance and the revisions did not work. Richard Gachot gave the Council written comments regarding Burkett Benches. John W. Jones, Jr., Allison Jacobs and Heather Billman all submitted written comments to the Council regarding Item 32, discussion of smoking Ordinance. Mayor Habingreither introduced for consideration confirmation of appointment by City Attorney of Assistant City Attorney. Mr. Mark Taylor