Bartlett to consider alternative to complete smoking ban at parks

A high school student's comments during the public forum session at Tuesday's Bartlett village board meeting previewed Trustee Vince Carbonaro's motion to table a proposed ban on smoking in all public parks.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit all tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and nicotine products at village-owned parks, including Town Center Fountain Park, Koehler Fields, Bartlett Park, also known as Gazebo Park, Veterans Memorial Park and Ruzicka Park.

The ban would not apply to village-owned property such as roads, golf courses, village hall or at forest preserves.

"A smoking ban sounds crazy," Chase Hopkins, 15, said during the public comment portion of the board meeting. "You're taking away the rights of taxpayers."

The Bartlett High School freshman suggested the village "start small" by allowing smoking in designated areas.

Carbonaro, who said he was "upstaged by Chase," made many of the same arguments as he began the discussion.

He said smokers who move to Bartlett will be unable to spend time at a park with their children or grandchildren.

"We're trying to make this a destination town," he said. "This sends the wrong message."

Carbonaro, a former cigarette smoker who uses vaping as a means to quit, said designated areas could allow smoking and vaping.

"Give them an opportunity to smoke in the corner (of the park)," he said.

Carbonaro also questioned why Bartlett Hills Golf Club would not be included in the ban.

Trustee Adam Hopkins, Chase's uncle, said there didn't need to be any changes to the ordinance.

"It's good, it's strong and I support it," he said.

President Kevin Wallace, who voted in favor of tabling, said it will give village staff members time to look for alternatives to a complete ban and make adjustments to the ordinance.

"I'm not a proponent of restricting people's privileges," he said.

Following the meeting, Chase said he got involved after his father showed him the issue on Facebook. He discussed the matter with a few of his teachers and decided to bring his concerns to the village board.

"Even though I don't smoke, it's wrong to take away someone's right to smoke legally," he said.

Chase said he plans to be in attendance the next time the issue comes before the board.

"I think I'll come up with another speech," he said.