Franklin Township supervisors adopted two ordinances on Tuesday night, one will protect children from second hand smoke and the second establishes a 25 mile speed limit on Reber Street.

The ordinance to prohibit smoking in all township parks becomes effect on Oct. 24, while the ordinance that sets the speed limit will become effective on Oct. 25.The smoking ban affects all parks that are owned, leased and operated or maintained by the township, including the Phifer Ice Dam Park and Christman Field.The penalty for violation of the smoking ordinance will $25 the first time and for a second offense, the fine will be $50. The third and subsequent offenses within a year will be $100.The idea to ban smoking in the township parks was brought to the township supervisors attention by Tobacco Free Northeast Pa and by Carbon-Monroe-Drug and Alcohol Commission which asked supervisors to join in eliminating children's exposure to secondhand smoke at local public parks and playground by participating in "Young Lungs at Play."They point to studies which show that if you are within three feet of someone smoking outdoors, your exposure to secondhand smoke can be the same as when you are indoors.The tobacco free parks and playgrounds initiative has proved successful in other parts of Pennsylvania and the country.The "Young Lungs at Play" program is designed to protect the environment and the health of all citizens, present and future. Proponents of the initiative point out that not only will it protect children's' lungs but it will help with clean up costs since cigarette butts are the most littered items in the world. They also point out that they leach chemicals into the environment and are poisonous to children, pets and wildlife."It's good for the kids and it's good for the environment," said Rod Green, board chairman. Green said that initially smokers will be warned, but if their behavior persists, they will be fined. He said that also goes for the people driving above the 25 miles per hour posted on Reber Street.Supervisors also closed Phifer Ice Dam Park to the public beginning on Oct. 25.Green said that the park was closed due to the Franklin Township Lions Club setting up for the Festival of Lights."There will be lights laying all around and it could be dangerous," said Green. "We close it every year so they can set up for the festival."Supervisors also approved a revised traffic signal permit that will permit changes made to the intersection of Route 248, Route 209 and Canal Street.Green said that there will be some minor adjustments made to the curbing in accordance to the intersection update because of the Walmart construction. Supervisors also approved the closing of Canal Street for two days while the construction updates take place.