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It was a long week at the legislature and started with the Senate wrestling over — and passing — a smoking ban for bars and restaurants.

At one point, Sen. Phil Berger, an Eden Republican, wanted to exempt for-profit private clubs — joints that are bars by another name and under a different set of regulations — from the ban.

That prompted Sen. Stan Bingham, a Denton Republican, to ask if truck stops could be exempted along with private clubs. Bingham said several truck stop owners had called him opposed to the bill.

“Sen. Bingham, I’ve just never seen a truck stop that was a private club. Have you?” asked Sen. Tony Rand, a Fayetteville Democrat who was picking apart the amendment and Bingham’s idea.

“Well,” Bingham said, “I’ve been there at night. It seemed like a pretty good club to me.”

That reply drew chuckles from his colleagues and onlookers.

“Were you a member?” asked Rand. “And how did they select you if you were?”

Bingham replied, “The way you were selected is if you had any money,” drawing further giggles.

The amendment and Bingham’s effort to exempt truck stops are relegated to the dust bin of history.

As for the smoking ban, it becomes law Jan. 2.

Manager search under way

City Council members will create their wish-list of leadership qualities and qualifications to guide them in their search for the next city manager.

And they’re asking residents for help.

On Tuesday, City Council members will meet with the consultants from Colin Baenziger and Associates to start talking about the search process. On Wednesday, the consultants will meet with business leaders and residents to have the same discussion.

Residents are welcome either of two sessions Wednesday, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. or from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Coliseum Special Events Center, 1921 W. Lee St.

Participants can weigh in on any issue they feel should be considered in finding the city’s next top employee.

The consultants will create a description of the ideal candidate before starting their search for applicants this month.

The list of potential managers will be reviewed by council members in July. The council plans to appoint a new manager by the end of August.

That person should begin to work by the fall.

The city will pay Colin Baenziger a base price of $20,750 plus an estimated $8,500 for travel and other costs.

Colin Baenzier, based in Florida, is helping Durham hire a deputy city manager and a director of economic and work force development.

Staff writers Mark Binker and Amanda Lehmert contributed.