City Council Minutes 2013 03 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes March 19, 2013 Page 5 of 10 whether the City's ordinance should be amended to prohibit smoking recreational marijuana in private clubs. City Attorney Light stated the City's ordinance is still in place and has restrictions on outdoor dining facilities, while the state law has exceptions. He stated Council could put a moratorium on clubs until legislation is written. Council member Loo inquired about the state requirements for separation from schools for liquor establishments. City Attorney Light stated the state regulations require a distance of 500 feet from schools. He noted the City's has established zoning for medical marijuana and if those establishments convert to recreational marijuana the zoning would be moot. Council member Loo inquired about medical marijuana distance requirements. • Planning Director Russ explained medical marijuana establishments were allowed in the commercial business zone district and combined with the spacing, limited establishments to two locations. If expanded to other districts it would enable more recreational marijuana retail stores in other zone districts throughout the City. City Attorney Light explained Amendment 64 expressly states a local government can adopt an overall limit of the number of recreational marijuana establishments within its jurisdiction. Amendment 64 provides a time, place and manner restriction, which may be used for zoning criteria. Council member Jasiak asked if staff requires direction on cultivation and growing operations in the City. City Manager Fleming explained it would be helpful to have direction on Council's interest in all aspects of recreational marijuana. Deputy City Manager Balser explained medical marijuana has a state and local licensing process, however recreational marijuana licensing is proposed to be state regulated. This could change, based on the regulations, to allow a local licensing process. She noted jurisdictions could opt in or out of the process. Should the state allow local licensing, staff would recommend Council provide for a local licensing review. Local regulations would be reviewed by the Planning Commission for their recommendation on planning and zoning issues. Mayor Muckle asked Chief Goodman if he saw any safety or criminal enforcement issues with recreational marijuana sales, cultivation and manufacturing. Chief Goodman stated the Police Department has had no issues with the medical marijuana. He felt the Local Licensing Authority could easily handle licensing retail recreational marijuana, but not the licensing of cultivation and manufacturing operations. The biggest concern of law enforcement is when the value of the product in manufacturing and agriculture becomes a target for crime. Council member Yarnell favored allowing and regulating recreational marijuana. She opposed cultivation, manufacturing and testing. She supported a moratorium on clubs.