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Residents press Seward council on safe cannabis consumption, local health services and business incubator
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to consider safe on-site cannabis consumption rules, thanked Providence for plans to expand local health services while warning about funding cuts, and requested exploration of a business incubator and community fundraising for Mount Marathon fencing.
Several community members used the June 8 public-comment period to press the Seward City Council on local services and economic development.
Jennifer Wells urged the council to consider regulations that would allow supervised, on-site cannabis consumption spaces so consumers can use cannabis safely without breaking rental agreements or smoking in public areas. "Cannabis consumers want rules that they can follow. They are not criminals," Wells said, asking that planning and zoning approach the matter with research and equity.
Haley Jordan and Melanie Story, directors of nursing at Providence Seward Mountain Haven and the medical center, updated the council on efforts to expand local services: adding MRI imaging, bolstering maternal and fetal care with telehealth support, and growing outpatient services such as wound care and infusion. The pair said the work depends on stable funding and warned that a cut in the dedicated health-care sales tax (from 1% to 0.5%) poses a significant risk to sustaining services. "Our goal is simple: strong local care, better outcomes, and a community that does not have to leave home to receive essential health care," they said.
Amanda Sweding, representing the Chamber, described a community campaign to replace aging fabric fencing at Mount Marathon with metal panels ahead of the race's centennial; sponsorship of $150 per panel and parade participation details were provided to solicit donations and volunteers. Victoria Provenza requested the council consider a business incubator (including possible use of the middle school) and noted potential SBA and economic-development funding to reduce barriers for startups.
Library volunteer Karen Cooper McLaclin reported 228 sign-ups for Seward's summer reading program and an early community reading total of 91,951 minutes. Council members and staff thanked the speakers and noted these items will inform future discussions and staff follow-up.
