City Council Minutes 2013 09 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2013 Page 9 of 15 revenue generating proposal, but rather an attempt to fulfill the wishes of the residents. He stated the age limit for retail marijuana is 21 years of age, which is different from medical marijuana, which is 18 years of age. He explained the City has two medical dispensaries, which have been operating for over four years without any problems or disturbances. Part of the ordinance allows those two dispensaries to convert to retail marijuana. He was open to considering a moratorium on additional locations in Louisville, but felt it was unfair to prohibit the two existing dispensaries from converting to retail marijuana. He feared it would ultimately drive them out of business. Council member Yarnell explained it has been a struggle to determine the intent of the voters. She thanked the public for coming forward with their concerns. She supported very tight regulations to allow local control. She also supported a moratorium and allowing the voters to decide. Council member Sackett wanted to make it harder for people to purchase marijuana in the City of Louisville and would vote no. Mayor Muckle agreed it has never been an issue of generating revenue, but rather to comply with the wishes of the residents who voted for retail marijuana. He was not interested in expanding the sale of marijuana, but expressed his concern for the two existing medical marijuana dispensaries. He would support putting this matter to a vote in the November 2014 Election. He also thanked the City staff for their work on the ordinances and resolutions. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton also supported the two existing medical dispensaries to convert. He suggested the Council discuss the options, which were presented. Council member Yarnell supported reviewing the options, but felt the two existing businesses should remain medical marijuana dispensaries. Council member Jasiak also supported the two existing businesses remaining as medical marijuana dispensaries. Council member Keany asked City Attorney Light if the ordinances do not pass, would there be any way for the two existing medical marijuana dispensaries to convert to retail marijuana businesses. City Attorney Light stated if the Council does not pass the ordinances nor does nothing else, the two existing businesses could get a state license because the City will not have a local licensing scheme, or a local prohibition. He explained there can be no other new businesses until after October 1, 2014. The only entities entitled to open a retail marijuana businesses, if they have licenses from the State and local level, are the existing medical marijuana holders in good standing. The City Council must pass Resolution No. 50, 2013 as a constitutional requirement. If Council does not pass the ordinances, direction must be given to staff to bring forward an ordinance placing a moratorium over recreational marijuana.