Wentzville aldermen reject proposed Proper Cannabis dispensary, citing security and delivery concerns

WENTZVILLE, Mo. — The Wentzville Board of Aldermen voted 1–5 on Oct. 22 to deny a resolution that would have approved a conditional‑use permit for a proposed marijuana dispensary, Proper Cannabis, at 1 Reggieri Drive.

Proper Brands representatives described the company’s security and compliance practices during a public hearing, including use of manifests, prepaid online orders for delivery and locked containers in vehicles. Warner Burger, a company representative, told the board that deliveries are “prepaid” and that drivers verify government photo identification at delivery; he said products are stored in a locked container “under camera coverage.”

Opponents and several aldermen said the packet lacked sufficient detail about the proposed walk‑up window, outdoor patios and delivery safety. Arnie C. A. C. Dinoff, City and County Public Advocate, told the board he was opposed to any walk‑up window and urged the city to require stronger protections, saying, “I don’t think there should be any walk up windows because you don’t offer them to pharmacies.” Dinoff also raised concerns about potential congregation, display of product near windows and compliance with the city’s safety and ventilation expectations.

Planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval, reporting that the property is zoned C‑3 Highway Commercial and that the application included documentation intended to demonstrate compliance with the 1,000‑foot separation from schools, day cares and places of worship required by state and city guidance. During aldermanic questions, staff and the applicant described proposed security measures, including cameras and motion sensors and, for deliveries, locked containers that are “strapped” in vehicles and recorded 24/7. Aldermen pressed the applicant on whether containers were bolted to vehicle frames and whether cameras would be actively monitored.

After discussion the board considered two added conditions — limiting pole signage and requiring that the word “cannabis” not appear on the pole sign — which passed on a separate subsequent motion. On the final vote to approve the conditional‑use permit (Resolution 25‑22‑92) the motion failed, 1 in favor and 5 opposed.

The application record shows the applicant proposed ancillary services including delivery and a patron patio area and noted plans to upgrade HVAC/ventilation to HEPA filters if required. The applicant said the building would meet state regulatory requirements for secure transport vehicles and employee identification.

Because the resolution failed, no zoning change or permit was granted; the applicant may return with revisions. The city’s staff packet and the Planning & Zoning recommendation remain part of the public record.