Monday, 17 May 2010 06:15

Ione Puts Pause on Marijuana Dispensaries

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2-ione_puts_pause_on_marijuana_dispensaries.pngAmador County – The Ione City Council last week approved an emergency moratorium on the formation of medical marijuana dispensaries while the city prepares an update to its zoning for such establishments. City Manager Kim Kerr recommended that the council consider adopting an “urgency ordinance” that would establish “a moratorium on the establishment of a medical cannabis dispensary” within city limits. Kerr recommended that the council waive a first reading and hold a public hearing on the ordinance May 18th. In 2004, the city adopted an ordinance, regulating the location and operation of pot dispensaries, but issues remain on “how the law applies,” Kerr said. The city’s business license and zoning regulations are in conflict, a fact discovered when someone approached the city about opening a dispensary. A woman spoke to City Planner Christopher Jordan about whether the city allowed medical pot dispensaries in the city. The council enacted the moratorium until the city can update its zoning and business issues related to medical marijuana dispensaries. The moratorium will be in place for 45 days. The council also held a special meeting last Wednesday to discuss the city’s draft audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2009. The independent auditor will issue the final audit and make a presentation to the city next month. City Clerk Janice Traverso said the audit findings were reviewed and the final audit will be subject of the council’s first regular meeting in June. This week, Ione will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday before its regularly scheduled meeting, at 6 p.m. The early special session will talk about the city’s Capital Improvement Plan. It will also address the “pavement management system” for streets, and will address the “police station remodel project.” The council already had gotten plans for a police station remodel, including disability act requirements, and the council will see if it wants to go through with the plans. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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