MIDDLESBORO — The possibility of a smoking ban for the city of Middlesboro was discussed at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

Council member Ronnie Carter said several citizens had asked him about the possibility of a smoking ban in the city. Carter said he wanted to bring the matter before the council to discuss and find out if it was something that they could vote on.

Carter expressed his opinion on the matter.

“I don’t have a big problem with [smoking],” said Carter, adding that he thought smokers were more courteous now to those who didn’t smoke.

Council members Rob Lincks and Gary Mills also voiced their opposition to a ban.

When asked by council, Safety Director James Pursifull said that no city building had a smoking ban.

Later in the meeting, an audience member who did not identify himself to the council said he would also be opposed to such a ban.

Council member Evelyn Farmer explained to him that it was just under consideration at this point, but added it was becoming more prevalent in the state.

“This has been done in a lot of cities in Kentucky,” said Farmer.

Middlesboro resident Angela Jackson addressed the council and urged them to consider non-smokers in the debate.

“You have to work out something where you’re fair to everybody,” said Jackson.

Council members agreed that in order for the matter to be voted on, concerned citizens would likely have to present a petition.

In other business, council member Lucas Carter said that he would like to see Code Enforcement Officer and Stormwater Program Manager Randy Melton present at council meetings to address any questions that needed to be answered.

Police Chief Jeff Sharpe interjected that he is Melton’s supervisor and had asked him to stop attending the meetings.

“There’s no sense making every Department Head come [to the meetings],” said Sharpe.

Mayor Ben Hickman was absent from the meeting, so council member Everett “Mammaw” Gulley presided.

The council appointed Billy Jones to the city Municipal Housing Commission and approved a Ad Valorem Tax refund to Home Federal Bank because of overpayment by Sherry Ausmus.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.