In Parma, the debate over two controversial proposals took center stage at Monday's City Council meeting.
One proposal would stop new vape shops from opening in the city, and the second would raise penalties for anyone who passes a school bus illegally.
The number of businesses in Parma that sell e-cigarettes and vaping products has grown and one city council member wishes to pause it. That’s a suggestion that doesn’t sit well with Randy Burch, owner of Euphoria Vapor.
“Anytime anybody introduces anything I just hope that the people introducing it, city council the mayor and stuff, that we can get together and actually talk about it and actually educate on both ends and see where they’re coming from and see where we’re coming from,” says Burch.
The vaping business ordinance was only discussed briefly before deciding it would have to be discussed further by the Public Safety Committee.
The topic garnering the most conversation are the new penalties for any driver who passes a school bus letting students off. The fine would increase from $500 to $750, with the added possibility of up to 90 days in jail.
Councilwoman Kristin Saban says the ordinance passed unanimously because it has one focus.
“This is to keep our children safe in the community. This is not a money maker for us here in the city. This is just ‘please stop’ when you see that arm come out and just know your surroundings. Our kids are our most precious gifts,” says Saban.
In Parma the school bus violation ordinance will go into effect after the Mayor signs it into law, which could be as early as Tuesday morning.