BLOOMINGTON - Before the smoke clears from the last cigarettes in public buildings, the City Council will consider how to enforce Bloomington's indoor smoking ban that goes into effect Jan. 1.

The council will meet in a work session at 6:30 p.m. today at City Hall to review the ordinance, which was approved earlier this summer. The ordinance bans smoking in public buildings, including taverns and restaurants.

"We want to make sure staff is on the same page as the council as to how it will be enforced," said City Manager Tom Hamilton. "If we know the council's expectations, we can then convey that to the public."

A smoking ban also takes effect in Normal at the start of the new year. The McLean County Board could consider a similar proposed ordinance in November.

Hamilton said the council must consider practical issues. For example, does a smoker have to snuff out a cigarette when she walks down a public sidewalk within 15 feet of a business entrance?

During its regular session, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., the council will consider a $19.7 million property tax levy. The proposed 2006 levy is 4.41 percent more than the $18.9 million levied in 2005.

Retirement costs, such as an additional $359,725 payment required by the city for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and $139,435 in Social Security, are driving the increase, according to information sent to the council.

GO!

What: Bloomington City Council work session on smoking ordinance enforcement

When: 6:30 p.m. Monday

Where: Bloomington City Hall, 109 E. Olive St.