2017-11-21 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Manager Godinez, noted the 17 medical dispensaries who have licenses would have to comply with criteria being considered today, but would be eligible to apply for the permits. Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Martinez noted this is only for competitive process to receive permit, but would still have to comply with criteria and points. City Manager Godinez, noted they would not be required. Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Martinez opined this would not be fair to not have them comply with new adult use criteria. Noted her prior recommendation to create a special City Council fund to create and distribute funds to non-profit organizations. Opined there is an opportunity to address social equity and social justice component. Noted her difficulty in moving forward with these items. Councilmember Solorio, opined the individual in lieu of fee agreements should also require some of the provisions and would address social equity concerns. Suggested staff should consider strong application submissions and expressed concern of possible oversaturation. Councilmember Tinajero, expressed support of limiting the number to 25 as a happy medium and noted his support on the item if a motion to include items express by Councilmember Solorio, . City Manager Godinez, clarified that in order to change the limit, the ordinance would require a modification and could be not done tonight. Noted his intention was to have those conducting business under BB to be processed and have the opportunity to apply for a state license. Opined there would be more than ten applications submitted and criteria would allow them to rank the applicants and provide recommendations. Councilmember Villegas, requested confirmation of current and pending applicants. City Manager Godinez, noted preferential treatment would be given to those that already have an existing permit by the date the ordinance becomes effective. Councilmember Villegas, opined approach should be thorough and is in support of working with the current 20 applicants. Councilmember Benavides, express support leaving language as is and starting with the applicants who are already operating in the city. Asked City Attorney how to have existing medical dispensaries comply with new requirements. City Attorney Carvalho noted if medicinal operators apply for adult retailer permit, the requirements could be incorporated into the agreement at the direction of the City Council. City Manager Godinez, noted it was their intention to capture the requirements for existing dispensaries as they applied for adult use permits. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 35 NOVEMBER 21, 2017