City Council Minutes 2013 10 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2013 Page 9 of 15 Council member Loo read the ballot language for Amendment 64, which allowed the legalization of the retail sale marijuana, manufacturing and the regulations. She stated the moratorium is necessary, to craft legislation to regulate retail shops and not necessarily to put the question on the ballot. It gives the Council more time to work on the legislation for regulations. She was pleased the democratic process really works. Council member Yarnell stated it was clear that marijuana is here. She agreed the moratorium is not a ban or a prohibition, but felt the moratorium would allow citizens to decide on the issue. Her intent for the moratorium is to put the question on the ballot. Council member Loo stated if a moratorium is passed this evening it is not a vote to put it on a ballot. Planner I Robinson concurred. City Attorney Light explained if Council passed the moratorium and wanted to put it on the ballot, it would take a separate action at a later meeting. Mayor Muckle stated the moratorium allows the Council more time to decide on regulations or whether it should be put on the ballot. Although he may favor putting the issue on the ballot, he supported drafting regulations for the current businesses to convert. He noted operating a medical dispensary, which requires a prescription from a doctor and a permit from the state, is different from operating a retail recreational marijuana store. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton stated the City Council can ask staff to bring back regulations for the possible conversion of the two existing medical marijuana businesses, if those businesses choose to do so. Mayor Muckle stated the two exiting medical marijuana businesses may choose to convert or become a dual business. There would have to be some discussion later on regarding the fate of the businesses if marijuana was banned. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Dalton moved to approve Ordinance No. 1643, Series 2013, seconded by Council member Jasiak. Council member Keany supported regulations for the existing medical businesses to convert to retail businesses. He would support the moratorium but asked Council to put regulations in place. He explained the Council had previous discussion on very stringent regulations for retail marijuana sales. VOTE: Roll call vote was taken. The motion carried by a vote of 7 -0. Council Direction: Council directed staff to bring forward regulations to allow the existing medical marijuana businesses to apply for a conversion of their license or apply for a dual license. There was a question as to whether the Planning Commission should further review.