During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the ongoing police background check for a proposed business, Mega Pickle and Palm, owned by Richard Gray and Ellen Redmond. The council decided to continue the public hearing on this matter until August 5th, allowing time for the background check to be completed.

The meeting also featured a significant public hearing regarding an interim ordinance that would impose a moratorium on commercial cannabis operations within the city. This ordinance, introduced on June 24th, aims to allow city staff to conduct a study on cannabis business regulations, including distance restrictions from schools and daycare centers. The council is expected to receive a report on proposed regulations by December, with the moratorium remaining in effect until those regulations are adopted or until January 1, 2025.

Abby Johnson, a local resident and social equity applicant seeking to establish a cannabis business, voiced her concerns during the public hearing. She highlighted the challenges faced by social equity applicants, particularly in securing rental spaces and funding, and urged the council to consider the implications of the moratorium on small business owners like herself.

Council members expressed their understanding of the complexities surrounding cannabis regulations, noting that the state has yet to finalize its guidelines. They emphasized the need for a moratorium to prevent businesses from establishing operations before clear regulations are in place, which could lead to unintended consequences.

The council ultimately voted in favor of adopting the interim ordinance, with members acknowledging the importance of creating opportunities for social equity applicants while navigating the uncertain regulatory landscape. The motion to adopt the ordinance passed unanimously, reflecting a collective commitment to ensuring a well-regulated approach to cannabis operations in the city.