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ABSENT: Martinez (1) <br />Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and Councilmember Tinajero left the meeting at 10:24 p.m. and did <br />not return. <br />Mayor Pulido and Councilmember Sarmiento reported a potential conflict of interest and <br />abstained on Agenda Item 75B. They left the dais. Councilmember Tinajero assumed the <br />Chair and deliberation of matter. <br />75B. PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 2017-03 TO CREATE <br />CHAPTER 40 IN THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE (COMMERCIAL <br />CANNABIS) — CITY OF SANTA ANA, APPLICANT (STRATEGIC PLAN NOS. <br />3, 2, 3, 5; 4, 3) - Planning and Building Agency <br />Legal Notice published in the Orange County Reporter on October 6, 2017. <br />Acting Chair Tinajero opened the Hearing. The following spoke on the matter: <br />• Melahat Rafiei, expressed support of ordinance. <br />• Robert Taft, Jr., owner of 420 Central, spoke on cultivation and in support of <br />ordinance. <br />• Irma Macias, in opposition of ordinance; expressed concern over drugs and <br />impact towards children. <br />• Jason Lily, commended the City Council for moving forward and their hard <br />work in this ordinance; urged a yes vote. <br />There were no other speakers and the Hearing closed. <br />Council discussion ensued. <br />Councilmember Villegas, noted that he is against ordinance, request funding be <br />set aside for education; understand that we need to regulate. <br />Councilmember Benavides, noted that he was not in favor of measure BB, <br />pleasantly surprised that effect that illicit businesses have significantly reduced <br />and property regulated; at the local level we have received revenue from the <br />legitimate regulated dispensaries to address enforcement. Prop 64 approved <br />at the State level; asked if additional changes allowed. <br />City Attorney Carvalho, noted that Charter allows for minimal changes. <br />Councilmember Solorio, commented that Public Safety Committee considered <br />item; additional revenues but more important that we regulate; propose 1/3 <br />earmarked for afterschool gang, alcohol and drug prevention programs; on the <br />enforcement side more robust efforts; request size of cultivation area be better <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 21 OCTOBER 17, 2017 <br />