LYNDHURST - Courses in casino gambling are being offered by the local recreation department, but some residents aren’t in a betting mood.

At the March 15 council meeting, longtime resident Donald Ehknfeldt informed council, he was perturbed about gambling courses being offered by the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Recreation Department.

The three courses cover roulette, craps and blackjack from the beginning to advanced level. They are a repeat of classes first offered in the winter session, according to SELREC Director Rick Dula.

Ehlenfeldt said he was concerned that the city was “teaching people to gamble” and some council members agreed.

Councilman Barry Jacobson said the city should not teach gambling “which is as addictive as other vices.”

Vice-Mayor Marty Puin agreed there was a consensus among council that “this is not something we want to see:” Mayor Leonard Creary is out of town until the end of the month.

Dula said the classes were offered only as an adult enrichment course and minors would not be allowed to enroll. He said the courses made for an “entertaining light-hearted evening” and were not a gambling endorsement. Dula said he would look at all sides of the issue and listen to requests.

He said course offerings some-times invite opposition. This spring, the department is offering such diverse courses as bog walking, private investigation, rock and roll writing, mystery shopping and a discussion of Princess Diana in addition to regular activities.

‘There is often someone out there who might not agree (with the course offerings),” he said.

Dula said SELREC was not breaking new ground by offering the gambling courses. He said they have already been offered in Kenston, Cleveland Heights-University Heights, Euclid Adult Education, North Olmsted Community Education and Lakewood.

Dula pointed out that Ohio allows gambling on horse races and the state lottery.

City Law Director Rick Carbone said as far as he knew “there is nothing in the Ohio statute saying you can’t teach (gambling).”

“If there’s no illegality in it, then it’s a matter of personal value,” he said.

In other news, Puin said a compromise was likely. in the controversy over widening Cedar Road. The current plan to widen Cedar Road was met with opposition earlier this month. Lyndhurst council decided the city was being unfairly burdened with widening costs and loss of land.

Councilman Patrick Ward said he wanted Mayfield Heights to stop developing the area until a road plan had been approved.

Puin said the mayors of Mayfield Heights and Lyndhurst would meet in April and that alternative plans are likely to be submitted to all three cities. Pepper Pike is also included in the widening plan.

An ordinance regarding the parking of recreational vehicles has been scheduled for a public hearing at 7:45 p.m. on April 19 at City Hall. Council approved a $2,500 feasibility study Monday for the expansion of the fire station.