Corbin adding vaping to its smoking ordinance

Adding vaping to the city’s smoking ordinance, selecting an engineering firm to help design the splash pad, and the promotion of several firefighters were among the items discussed during a special meeting of the Corbin City Commission Friday morning.

Corbin Fire Chief Barry McDonald announced the promotion of three firefighters during Friday’s special called Corbin City Commission meeting.

During the meeting, the commission authorized city attorney Bob Hammons to draw up an ordinance amending the city’s smoking ordinance to include vaping.

Commissioner Trent Knuckles noted the Whitley County Health Department requested two or three months ago to add vaping to the smoking ordinance, and that Williamsburg has already done so.

“It seems like it would be a pretty simple change,” he added.

Hammons noted that Williamsburg just redefined what smoking was adding vaping products to its ordinance.

Also during the meeting, the commission received two requests for qualifications from consulting engineers for the Splash Pad project. Companies submitting qualifications were MSE Engineering and Brandstetter Carroll Inc.

City Manager Marlon Sams recommended that the city use Brandstetter Carroll, which city commissioners agreed to.

“They are very highly thought of in aquatics across the state,” he added.

In addition, Corbin Fire Chief Barry McDonald announced the retirement of Battalion Chief Bryan Jenkins, whose last day was Oct. 31, and the promotion of three firefighters.

Firefighter Trevor Allen was promoted to lieutenant. Lt. Phillip Martin was promoted to captain. Captain Chad Jackson was promoted to Battalion Chief.

In other business, the commission:

• Approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing four parking spaces on Third Street between Kentucky and Depot streets, and the first reading of an ordinance establishing eight parking spaces on the south side of West First Street between Poplar Street and Kentucky Street.
• Authorized a $19,009.58 reimbursement to the Corbin Tourism Commission for operation of The Corbin Center.
• Set a $125 business license fee for specialized recreation to cover the new Tomahawks axe-throwing venue.