President Chapman called the special meeting of the Holmen Village Board to order at 6:30 PM on May 23, 2002 at the Holmen Village Hall. Members present were Chapman, Hauser, Olson, Forde, Anderson and Proctor. Seitz was excused. Also present were Dr. Todd Mahr of the Coalition for a Smoke Free Environment, and Al Graewin, County Health Department.

President Chapman asked Dr. Mahr and Mr. Graewin to tell the Board about themselves and their involvement with this issue. Dr. Mahr indicated that he is a pediatrics allergy specialist for Gunderson Lutheran Hospital. He is affiliated with the SAFE (Smoke-Free Air for Everyone) coalition. Mr. Graewin is employed by the La Crosse County Health Department and indicated that he administers 8 grant programs having to do with tobacco issues.

Dr. Mahr then spoke of the communities who have already adopted Smoke-Free Restaurant ordinances and their plan to go forth with other area communities urging their adoption of similar ordinances. He spoke of the Clean Air Act that mandates restaurants with seating for 50 or more to provide smoking and non-smoking areas. He indicated that there is no dispute on the harmful effects of second hand smoke. He also indicated the organization had already obtained 100 signatures from Holmen residents, supporting a Smoke Free Restaurant ordinance.

A question and answer period followed. Trustee Olson asked if they would be approaching the Townships next. Dr. Mahr said it would be a logical next step. Trustee Anderson asked what the discrepancy was in the La Crosse ordinance that he had read about. Dr. Mahr indicated that the La Crosse ordinance states the percentage of bar sales as 35% and Onalaska's is 50%. They felt that 50% of revenues was a more realistic number. President Chapman asked if service stations that have limited food sales would be affected? Dr. Mahr indicated that they would be exempt due to the 50 seating limitation. President Chapman also asked if there would be any insurance benefits to restaurants going smoke-free. Dr. Mahr indicated that some insurance companies are offering reduced premiums for smoke-free status. Nationally, the saving is approximately 25%.

President Chapman opened the floor for comments from the public. Mr. Richard Lindley, 3106 S Pleasant Dr, Holmen, spoke about the loss of freedoms. Trustee Proctor said that, as a banquet facility owner whose facility went smoke-free a year ago, she has experienced little fall-out from that decision.

President Chapman instructed the Law Enforcement Committee to discuss the issue at their June meeting and be prepared to make a recommendation to the Board at their June 13, 2002 meeting. He also indicated that he would instruct the Village Clerk to draft a sample Smoke Free Restaurants ordinance, in the event the committee decides to recommend a smoke-free restaurant ordinance.

Motion Proctor, seconded Olson to adjourn at 6:50 p.m.

Karen Spreuer

Deputy Clerk