Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
The Willits City Council introduced the final draft of the medical cannabis ordinance at its regular meeting Wednesday night.
"We feel in a much better position to regulate these activities," City Manager Adrienne Moore said, about taking another step to legalize medical cannabis.
The City approved the initial environmental study of the cannabis ordinance after finding no significant evidence of negative impacts on the environment. In addition, City Planner Dusty Duley introduced the ordinance and read changes made to the final draft, before answering questions and receiving comments from the public.
The final draft will be scheduled for adoption at the next City Council meeting on September 27.
The majority of City officials and the public showed support for the medical cannabis ordinance, with one councilman and a few residents expressing disapproval. City officials who approved said they changed their opinions as they see the ordinance as a way to better control the industry and bring in revenue. Ordinance opponents expressed concerns for health, safety and the reputation of Willits. Public supporters were excited for the potential to bring medicinal alternatives and business to the city.
Tim Blake, founder of the Emerald Cup cannabis festival, was one of the first from the public to present his comments on the ordinance. Responding to concerns presented by Willits resident James F. King, a practicing lawyer in Ukiah, he said that passing this ordinance wouldn't "rebrand" Willits.
Blake said, already known around the world as part of the Emerald Triangle, Willits wouldn't become something else with the passing of the ordinance. He finished saying that the ordinance would bring jobs and revenue.
After Blake, Andrew S. Hay spoke in support of the ordinance as well. Based in Southern California, Hay, a CPA, said he recently opened an office in Willits as many of his clients are in the cannabis industry. "I think this industry will bring jobs, high paying jobs," he said.
In addition to commenting on revenue and jobs, the public and city officials offered suggestions for the ordinance.
Councilman Ron Orenstein suggested adding to the ordinance that cannabis activities not only be hidden from view from any public right-of-way, but also from private property.
Another suggestion came from John Bakalian, a board member from The Emerald Cup. He said that limiting one permit per business type on a single parcel could be restrictive. He suggested that the City Planner be given discretion to decide how many of each permit type may be allowed per parcel.
Bruce Burton, former mayor and longtime Willits resident, also made suggestions for the City. He opened his comments with ideas for helping with the budget crisis, and then expressed his concern about passing the ordinance.
He said this was not a proud moment for Willits, and agreed with other opponents that it would be hard to bring new employees to town. He turned his criticism to the City itself, saying, "in six months you've gutted the local management team." He noted the finance director, city manager and police chief positions need to be filled.
After receiving public comments, City officials responded expressing how ultimately this ordinance is how they will move forward to get hold of the industry.
Mayor Gerry Gonzalez said that 20 years ago, he never would have imagined he would be looking at local dispensaries. "I tried to look at what's happening on all sides," he said, adding he would rather have the industry regulated.
All councilmen approved the cannabis ordinance initial study except for Councilwoman Saprina Rodriguez. Councilwoman Madge Strong was absent from the meeting.
At the conclusion of the meeting, many supporters of the ordinance applauded and gathered outside the hall for a celebratory photo.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Willits City Council introduces medical cannabis ordinance final draft
Author: Hillary Ojeda
Contact: Contact Us
Photo Credit: John Carl D'Annibale
Website: Willits News: Breaking News, Sports, Business, Entertainment & Willits News
"We feel in a much better position to regulate these activities," City Manager Adrienne Moore said, about taking another step to legalize medical cannabis.
The City approved the initial environmental study of the cannabis ordinance after finding no significant evidence of negative impacts on the environment. In addition, City Planner Dusty Duley introduced the ordinance and read changes made to the final draft, before answering questions and receiving comments from the public.
The final draft will be scheduled for adoption at the next City Council meeting on September 27.
The majority of City officials and the public showed support for the medical cannabis ordinance, with one councilman and a few residents expressing disapproval. City officials who approved said they changed their opinions as they see the ordinance as a way to better control the industry and bring in revenue. Ordinance opponents expressed concerns for health, safety and the reputation of Willits. Public supporters were excited for the potential to bring medicinal alternatives and business to the city.
Tim Blake, founder of the Emerald Cup cannabis festival, was one of the first from the public to present his comments on the ordinance. Responding to concerns presented by Willits resident James F. King, a practicing lawyer in Ukiah, he said that passing this ordinance wouldn't "rebrand" Willits.
Blake said, already known around the world as part of the Emerald Triangle, Willits wouldn't become something else with the passing of the ordinance. He finished saying that the ordinance would bring jobs and revenue.
After Blake, Andrew S. Hay spoke in support of the ordinance as well. Based in Southern California, Hay, a CPA, said he recently opened an office in Willits as many of his clients are in the cannabis industry. "I think this industry will bring jobs, high paying jobs," he said.
In addition to commenting on revenue and jobs, the public and city officials offered suggestions for the ordinance.
Councilman Ron Orenstein suggested adding to the ordinance that cannabis activities not only be hidden from view from any public right-of-way, but also from private property.
Another suggestion came from John Bakalian, a board member from The Emerald Cup. He said that limiting one permit per business type on a single parcel could be restrictive. He suggested that the City Planner be given discretion to decide how many of each permit type may be allowed per parcel.
Bruce Burton, former mayor and longtime Willits resident, also made suggestions for the City. He opened his comments with ideas for helping with the budget crisis, and then expressed his concern about passing the ordinance.
He said this was not a proud moment for Willits, and agreed with other opponents that it would be hard to bring new employees to town. He turned his criticism to the City itself, saying, "in six months you've gutted the local management team." He noted the finance director, city manager and police chief positions need to be filled.
After receiving public comments, City officials responded expressing how ultimately this ordinance is how they will move forward to get hold of the industry.
Mayor Gerry Gonzalez said that 20 years ago, he never would have imagined he would be looking at local dispensaries. "I tried to look at what's happening on all sides," he said, adding he would rather have the industry regulated.
All councilmen approved the cannabis ordinance initial study except for Councilwoman Saprina Rodriguez. Councilwoman Madge Strong was absent from the meeting.
At the conclusion of the meeting, many supporters of the ordinance applauded and gathered outside the hall for a celebratory photo.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Willits City Council introduces medical cannabis ordinance final draft
Author: Hillary Ojeda
Contact: Contact Us
Photo Credit: John Carl D'Annibale
Website: Willits News: Breaking News, Sports, Business, Entertainment & Willits News
