The Eastern Tobacco Coalition discussed the importance of the free air-initiative during the city council meeting Tuesday.

Jim Friesma, a substance abuse coordinator of the Health Education Resource Center, said he wanted to inform the council of the tobacco issues on campus.

According to a survey conducted in fall 2010 by the Health Education Resource Center, only 16 percent of students smoked on campus and more than half expressed concerns about secondhand smoke.

Only 694 students and faculty members completed the survey out of 5,000 possible participants.

The free-air initiative would require students to go to designated areas on campus to smoke.

“There is over 60 designated places for students to smoke on campus including the students’ cars,” Friesma said

The council also approved the closure of the streets for the “Kick Butts Anti-Smoking Run/Walk” and the Eastern “Panther Service Day 2.5 K Run/Walk.”

On other matters, the council placed the water and sewer adjustment rate on file for public inspection Tuesday.

Rennels said the council normally places items on file for public inspection that could have great impact to the public.

If passed, Eastern will pay $11.21 per 1,000 gallons of water. Eastern currently pays $10.72 per 1,000 gallons, which is paid by Eastern in a bulk rate.

The council also approved amending the city budget for fiscal year 2010 and 2011.

Larry Rennels, a Charleston council member, said the council normally amends the budget during this time of the year.

Some unexpected expense was added to the budget and some money was allocated in different funds, though the 2010 and 2011 budget will stay the same, Rennels said.

“The net effect is neutral,” Rennels said.

Also, council voted on approving the final development plan for Garfield Planned Unit Development.

The development will offer Eastern student’s one-bedroom apartments, which the developer said would create a home-like environment for students.

The apartment complex will be at the vacant lot north of Garfield Avenue and east of Twelfth Street.

The raffle licenses for Cornerstone Christian Academy, Sixth Annual Autism Benefit, and the Coles County Court Appointed Special Advocate will be voted on at the next council meeting April 19 because Mayor John Inyart was not present at the meeting.

The licenses will be decided at the next council meeting because a full council is needed to approve a raffle license, Rennels said.

Elizabeth Edwards can be reached at eaedwards@eiu.edu.