City Council Minutes 2013 12 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes December 3, 2013 Page 16 of 21 Mayor Muckle requested a staff presentation. Planner I Robinson reviewed the four ordinances before the City Council on first reading: Ordinance No. 1648, Series 2013 would loosen the moratorium to allow the existing stores, and only the existing stores, to convert to either retail marijuana stores or dual licensed premises. It also includes a section prohibiting either of the existing businesses from changing locations until at least 2015. Ordinances No. 1649 and No.1650, Series 2013, would implement the regulatory scheme developed earlier in the year and also includes a land use requirement. Ordinance No. 1651, Series 2013 would set the ballot title for November, 2014 election to determine if retail marijuana shall be allowed or prohibited City -wide. An affirmative vote on the ballot question would establish a ban on retail marijuana. The current moratorium on retail marijuana would expire at the end of 2014. A negative vote of the ballot would result in no ban on retail marijuana in the City of Louisville. If the existing medical marijuana businesses are allowed to convert and do so, and the voters subsequently ban retail marijuana establishments, the City would not renew those businesses' retail marijuana licenses. The stores would need to either convert back to medical marijuana only or close. Implementing the full regulatory scheme for retail marijuana now would create clarity for existing medical marijuana facilities and potential new businesses, as well as for voters in 2014. Businesses and voters would know exactly what regulations apply if the voters allow retail marijuana establishments. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance No. 1648, Ordinance No. 1649, Ordinance No. 1650 and Ordinance No. 1651, Series 2013 on first reading and set second reading and public hearing for December 17, 2013. Staff also requested the City Council provide direction on any changes to be made to the ordinances for second reading. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Lipton inquired about the procedural process for this evening. He asked if Council had any questions or comments should they voice them now or wait until the next meeting. City Attorney Light stated if Council has comments relative to changes in the ordinances, they may voice those comments this evening so they may be incorporated into the ordinances for second readings. Mayor Muckle preferred the ordinances be approved or disapproved at a public meeting in order to allow public comment. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton opposed Ordinance No. 1651, Series 2013 because he felt there should be more than one question. Council member Keany concurred and felt there should be at least four different questions.