Cannabis business options discussed at City Council meeting Tuesday
Porterville’s City Council discussed possible options regarding cannabis businesses at the regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday evening.
It was requested by city staff that the Council give further direction as far as exploring future options.
“I’m in favor of the fee system. I’m in favor of the tax system,” said Council Member Hamilton.
Council Member Reyes also agreed that the tax system may be a benefit in helping build revenue for the city.
“I think the tax system will definitely bring in revenue, especially if all the footwork is done up front,” Reyes stated.
Reyes continued on to express that he was concerned about outdoor cultivation and the effects that those types of businesses would have on the air quality. He questioned if the product produced would be usable in other areas of the cannabis industry due to the already poor air quality.
Council Member Ward added his questions on the subject of possibly bringing a cannabis dispensary to the city.
“My question is do we do medicinal only or do we do a combined type?” Ward stated. “Are we looking to do something for everyone, or are we looking to restrict it?” Council members were torn
as to what direction they should go in the future.
“A medical marijuana dispensary, I don’t really have much of a problem bringing one here,” stated Hamilton. “However, I am just stunned at the cost.”
The lack of people in attendance to hear about what decisions would be made regarding cannabis caused Reyes to question whether the cannabis situation had been resolved with previous ordinances that have been passed at prior Council meetings.
Echoing what Reyes had said, Council Member Flores stated, “We don’t have the community involvement who usually attend when these decisions are made, and I think we just need to
hold off.”
Ward made it clear on his position for recommended future options.
“I’m only interested on the medical side,” stated Ward. “I’m willing to move forward on the medicinal side. I’m not for the recreational side.”
Mayor Stowe was completely opposed to involving the city in the cannabis industry altogether.
Ultimately, the Council decided to put discussion of cannabis related businesses on hold for now.
A proclamation making October 21-27 Friends of the Libraries Week was read by Ward, and members from the Friends of the Library program received the officially signed proclamation. The Friends of the Library announced that they have been receiving
a lot of volunteer help with their book sales from local students.
Raj Rakkar, the public affairs manager for the South San Joaquin Valley Division, presented the Council with the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence regarding the East Porterville Water Supply Project. City staff and Council members gratefully accepted the award and posed for photos with the new plaque in hand.
The Parks and Leisure Services commission reported to the Council and announced that the pickle ball courts at Zalud Park would be increasing. They also informed that adult flag football would be starting out at the sports complex soon and the Veterans Day run registration is open.
The library and literacy commission addressed the Council and
stated that they had attended a library building showcase to gather ideas for possible models for a future library. The library commission also updated the Council with statistics regarding library use and programs.
The new members of the youth commission introduced themselves to the Council and said that they were excited to get things going and look forward to their next meeting.
When it was time for staff reports, City Manager John Lollis announced that a fall community clean-up event would be taking place this Saturday, October 20.
Oral communications were opened to the public, and Cathy Hayden approached the microphone and presented the Council will possible
solutions on helping the homeless population.
Brock Neely took to the stand to remind the Council that mail-in ballots have gone out.
A frustrated Porterville resident had his turn to address the Council, and spoke about the roads and questioned the Council as to where all the money they have is going because, in his opinion, it is not going to improving the roads.
All 17 items on the consent calendar were approved with a vote of 5-0.
A public hearing to gather thoughts on the acceptance of grant funds to go towards the police department for necessary training, equipment and overtime costs brought forth no speakers to the stand. The acceptance of the grant funds was voted on at the closing of the
public hearing and was approved with a vote of 5-0.
The second reading of Ordinance No. 1849 regarding a zone change for the future Sequoia Circle residency complex was waived, and after a vote of 5-0, it was approved.
Oral communication was opened a final time and Daniel Penaloza approached the microphone. Penaloza stated that he believed the Council should hold a public hearing in the Veterans Memorial building to gather thoughts, opinions and feelings relating to a future cannabis business coming to town.
The next scheduled City Council meeting is set for November 6 at 6:30 p.m. inside the City Hall located at 291 N. Main Street.