At the commission's Sept. 7 meeting, Julie Mark, deputy director of the city's parks, recreation and neighborhood services department, said a survey will be distributed to San Jose residents, seeking their feedback on the proposed ban. Survey results will not be available until the commission's next meeting in October.

Tobacco-Free Collaborative, a local advocacy group, recently approached the commission about a smoking ban at city parks, citing second-hand smoke as a public health concern. However, not everyone was in agreement.

Charles McIntosh, a San Jose resident, said it didn't make sense to ban smoking while barbecuing in parks is allowed.

"It's easy to pick on smokers," he said.

However, Dennis Acha, program director for the coalition group, said an ordinance to prohibit smoking at parks would be enforced by park attendees who would remind smokers of the ordinance. He added that if the city used signs with the international no-smoking symbol--a cigarette with a line through it--the signs would be cheaper because they wouldn't have to be translated.

"We will commit to an education and information campaign with all the resources that we have if this becomes a reality," he said.

Even though commissioners did not take a vote, they were also split on the ban.

Commissioner Felicia Borrego-Madsen said the city has a responsibility to provide its citizens with a safe environment, while Commissioner G.M. Harding opposed the smoking ban. He said there are two separate issues--a public health one and a moral one, "and we're getting them intertwined."

After the meeting, coalition members expressed their disappointment that the commission decided to delay a recommendation to the city council. Acha, however, promised to be back with more people to speak on behalf of the ban.

"I'll bring more youth next time," he said.

The parks and recreation commission will take up the issue again at its next meeting scheduled for Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in San Jose City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., room W120.