Smoking Regulations Outlined at City Council RLM
By Stephen E. Lipken
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert called the Tuesday, January 21st Regular Legislative Meeting (RLM) to order, beginning with the Consent Agenda, Proposed Change in School Tax Collection dates from October and April to September and March, the situation being that the School District does not receive any funds until the collection is underway. Funding expenses to include payroll from July through mid-October are near impossible, causing the need to issue Tax Anticipation Notes (TAN) with market rate interest.
Changing tax collection dates from October and April to September and March will bring funds in sooner and lessen need for borrowing. The City Staff can accommodate this request beginning with the 2025/26 fiscal collection.
Resolutions included approving acceptance of Grant Award Re: MORE SWIMMING (NY SWIMS) Grant from NYS Dormitory Authority (DASNY) for New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) Initiative Grant program.
The DASNY Grants were initiated by NYS Governor Kathy Hochul in 2024. In late 2024, the City was notified that it was being awarded its grant request in the amount of $1,000,000 for their Lincoln Park Pool Renovation Project. Total estimated cost is $1,250,000, requiring a City match of $250,000.
Funding was adopted in the 2025 Capital Budget MUNIS account.
Ordinances encompassed a proposed amendment to the City Code regarding regulating smoking.
Smoking and/or using smokeless tobacco is prohibited within any building or structure owned, leased and controlled by the City of New Rochelle. Smoking is also banned within any vehicle owned, leased or rented by City, also City-owned public parks, beaches, pools, splashpads, playgrounds, trails, recreation centers, marinas and athletic facilities.
The sidewalks immediately adjoining but not traversing public parks, beaches, pools, splashpads, playgrounds, trails, recreation centers and athletic facilities are excluded from smoking and vaping prohibitions.
Smoking and/or smokeless tobacco within any pedestrian plaza owned and operated by the City and on or in any bus, shuttle, omnibus or coach within City limits is prohibited. Smoking by licensed operator of a taxicab while such vehicle is carrying passengers is prohibited.
Smoking is banned from theaters except smoking by a performer as part of a theatrical production.
Each violation of Section 252-2 shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $100.