Rathdrum considers e-cig law

RATHDRUM - Rathdrum could become the latest local city to pass a law banning minors from possessing e-cigarettes and businesses selling them to youth.

The City Council will consider the law tonight at 6.

Panhandle Health District made a presentation to the council last month on the dangers of the devices that convert liquid nicotine into a gas that is inhaled by the consumer.

Brett Boyer, city administrator, said he believes the law should be passed at the state level, but Rathdrum could pass a city law in the meantime.

"It is a legitimate health concern," he wrote in a memo to the council.

Several cities, counties and states, including Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls, have passed similar laws recently.

The council is also expected to pass a resolution urging the Legislature to consider a law banning drivers to use wireless communication devices in school zones.

In other business, the council will consider John Franco's request to re-name of Lauren Loop in the Genesis Gardens subdivision next to Betty Kiefer Elementary to Jonny Franco Loop in honor of his son Jonathan Franco, a Rathdrum police officer who died in September at 27 due to a motorcycle crash.

"It's a tribute to Jonathan's life," the father said of his request. "He made a great impact on a lot of lives."

John Franco was the original developer of the subdivision and named the first three streets after his children - Lauren, Natalie and Jonathan. Jonathan and Lauren streets were later merged and re-named to Lauren Loop.

Franco said his daughter, Lauren, supports the request and Jonathan built a duplex on Lauren Loop and lived there for more than five years. Jonathan was a positive influence on the neighborhood, the father said.

Franco said he has collected 58 signatures from neighbors in support of the name change.

The council won't make a decision tonight as a public hearing would be required before the name change, Boyer said.

There are no public hearings tonight.