City Council Minutes 2010 11 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2010 Page 6 of 11 or requirements pertaining to deliveries, restrictions on signage, standards that facility owners and employees must satisfy, standards for a "needs and desires" assessment or other measures. Deputy City Manager Balser pointed Council to an updated version of the matrix the Planning Staff prepared on regulations adopted by other cities along the Front Range and suggestions on regulatory elements to include in the City Code if Council's direction is to permit MMOs. She shared maps illustrating 500 foot, 1,000 foot, and 1,500 foot distance restrictions. Mayor Sisk asked Councilor Sackett to share his feelings on this issue. Councilor Sackett thanked the Mayor for the opportunity to speak. He pointed to an article in the Louisville Historian which spoke of the town being founded on wholesome values and said he believed our predecessors guided the city to create a safe and clean place. He felt allowing the medical marijuana operations, even with all good intention, makes it too readily available and changes the character of Louisville. During his campaign he heard citizens say not to change and he thought this would become detrimental to Louisville. He recommended denying having medical marijuana operations and felt he spoke for many residents. Laurel Alterman, owner of AlterMeds, 1156 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, CO, provided Council with statistics concerning her operation. She reported she pays City taxes and employs seven people. She stated 14% of her patients are from Louisville. Ms. Alterman felt she has conducted her business in a wholesome, legal and quiet manner. Councilor Sackett shared some personal vignettes which solidified his opposition to medical marijuana and his belief it was not safe for the children of the community. Councilor Muckle commented it was the job of the Council to decide if medical marijuana should be sold in a storefront. He expressed his opposition due to the fact that it is still illegal on a federal level and as council members they took an oath to uphold the Constitution. He felt if Council was to really consider it, they should take it to a vote of the citizens. Mayor Sisk felt Council was elected to make a decision. He liked the third option with added restrictions and wanted to model it after the Fort Collins ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella favored allowing the centers with the third option. She thought it was better to have operations where they are lawful and open. She would like to see the cultivation limited. Councilor Yarnell wanted to see operations with regulations. She felt it was better to be a part of the regulation and the safer ways of dispensing.