Westlake Village is weighing new regulations to prohibit smoking in parks, at the Civic Center and within 25 feet of bus stops.

The City Council discussed the idea and other proposed ordinances Wednesday night but took no action on them.

A number of other cities including Calabasas and Camarillo are considering or have adopted outdoor smoking restrictions, citing public health concerns.

"We are exploring whether we need to be so strict or — through public outreach and education — that we would even need an ordinance at all," said Westlake Village council member Philippa Klessig.

The council members asked that the matter be sent back to a committee for further review, with three options under consideration:

n Smoking at the Civic Center, parks and within 25 feet of a bus stop could be prohibited outright through an ordinance.

n The city could post signs requesting that people refrain from smoking in those areas.

n The city could take no action at all.

The session was held so officials could discuss the city's progress in reaching a number of goals the council established in January and other goals carried over from previous years.

"The city has made progress in implementing a number of this year's priorities," City Manager Ray Taylor wrote in a report to the council before the meeting.

"In some cases, various goals have fully been completed," according to Taylor. "In others, work continues toward implementation."

Another proposed ordinance deals with campaign finance reform — specifically, a limit on campaign contributions. That proposal is on hold, however, with further discussions considered likely late this year or early next year, officials said.

A third ordinance under consideration involves signs. The city is discussing whether to ban new storefront signs of a particular style, known in the industry as "can" signs, and adopting a policy to move toward signs made of brushed aluminum or steel with back lighting.

Goal to increase safety

In addition, Klessig suggested two new goals to the council — launching a public awareness campaign to encourage pedestrians and joggers to walk against the flow of traffic, and publishing a "scenic route" map that details routes around the lake and areas with sidewalks.

"We want to hear from the bicyclists, runners and walkers to find out what we can do to increase safety and help us assess where we can use bike paths that will help improve safety and circulation within the city and between cities," Klessig said.

As a collaborative effort with the city of Thousand Oaks, Klessig also hopes the council can research the possibility of expanding the bus route from Thousand Oaks into Westlake Village and encouraging more use, especially by the senior population.

According to Taylor's report to the council, additional progress has been made in several other areas, including:

-- A new sidewalk master plan is being developed to examine where sidewalks are needed.

-- Upgrades and improvements are taking place in city parks.

-- The city has initiated a styrofoam ban with regard to items purchased by the city.

-- New audio-visual equipment was purchased and installed to improve the quality of sound and broadcasts in the council chambers.

-- Cooperative programs are being explored between the "wellness center" at the new Four Seasons Hotel and local schools.

Second session planned

In April, the council held a team-building session with a consultant's help, and discussed council norms and rules and procedures for public speakers during council meetings.

Plans for a second session are in progress.

"The council believes we have made terrific progress on the seven goals we set last January," Taylor said. "A joint project with the Triunfo YMCA will consume a great deal of our time in the next few months."