SANTEE CITY COUNCIL GIVES FINAL OK FOR CANNABIS SHOPS TO OPERATE

Officials will start negotiating with up to four businesses

Santee leaders have given final approval to legalizing cannabis shops in the city, joining La Mesa, Lemon Grove and other cities statewide that have embraced the industry in the years since recreational marijuana became legal in California.

The City Council voted 3-1 on Tuesday to allow officials to negotiate fees and other rules directly with up to four businesses, through a process that will not require voters to weigh in, at least in the near future.

Council members have spoken at previous meetings about how the move will allow them to collect extra revenue while still cracking down on the black market and keeping cannabis from children. Tuesday’s vote was quick and without debate.

Mayor John Minto was the lone “no.” Vice Mayor Ronn Hall, who opposed the ordinance when it was first considered late last month, was absent.

It’s unclear how a majority of residents feel, but many have taken a stand in the past to protest legalization.

At least seven people recently wrote to the council to raise concerns about the industry and its potential effects on kids, according to messages posted on the city’s website.

“No one is debating that marijuana exists in Santee,” one grandmother wrote. “However it does not have to be sold here.”

Council members Laura Koval and Rob Mcnelis were appointed by their colleagues to negotiate what are known as Community Benefit Agreements with potential owners.

Those arrangements could mandate that shops help fund local fairs and schools, among other programs. The guidelines can be revised over time.

The ordinance will keep shops at least 900 feet from parks, schools, child care centers and other “sensitive” locations. Potential owners will have to pass background checks.

There is not a limit on the number of permits that can be issued to marijuana businesses without storefronts, such as laboratories or microbusinesses.

A formal tax on cannabis sales would need voter approval.

ADRIANA HELDIZ U-T The Cookies marijuana dispensary in San Diego, as seen Thursday. Santee will now allow marijuana shops to do business.