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Councilmember Benavides, City to be cautious in moving forward; asked <br />what is net benefit to the City and residents; threat to quality of life and <br />public safety; difficult to enforce and close illegal dispensaries. Asked City <br />Attorney to clarify medical marijuana vs. dispensaries. <br />City Attorney Carvalho noted that City has moratorium on dispensaries not <br />medical marijuana; users have immunity if have qualified cards; State law <br />does not allow dispensaries; hospitals and clinics are able to dispense <br />under existing State regulations and existing City moratorium. <br />City Manager Cavazos noted that code enforcement and legal department <br />managing cases, more robust program if additional funds appropriated; <br />needs to be City Council priority. <br />Councilmember Benavides recapped City options as presented at the <br />previous City Council meeting; recommend City voter approved ban; <br />asked if proposed ordinance is full proof to litigation and what are threats <br />and can future measures be considered even after voters consider <br />proposal(s) in November (2014). <br />City Attorney Carvalho, noted that City may propose future measures for <br />voter consideration unless a measure fails then cannot be re- considered <br />for one -year after election; also, on litigation exposure City has balanced <br />regulation and pending cases; City venturing into new territory; outright <br />ban is more defensible. <br />Councilmember Benavides, concerned with signature collection practice. <br />Mayor Pro Tern Tinajero commented that City could spend large amount <br />of money enforcing current businesses; supports dispensaries in industrial <br />areas; supports City proposal; voters to decide; support continuance of <br />matter to allow staff analyze issues discussed. <br />Mayor Pulido opined that lack of enforcement has allowed businesses to <br />propagate; asked staff what can be done with the proposed $1 million in <br />revenue. <br />City Attorney Carvalho speculates that proliferation may have started <br />when advocates circulated petition, since it would grandfather existing <br />businesses. <br />City Manager Cavazos suggested that revenue could augment staff in <br />Code Enforcement (5 staff members), an Assistant City Attorney and a <br />Police Officer. <br />Councilmember Martinez concerned with lack of police enforcement; staff <br />to present Enforcement Action Plan. <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7 JUNE 17, 2014 <br />10 B -7 <br />