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Stockton refunds cannabis application fees after denying letters of support; resident alleges collusion
Summary
The Stockton Borough Council voted to refund $10,000 each to two cannabis license applicants after denying letters of support; one council member recused. A public commenter alleged collusion and said recent decisions would face discovery; borough officials defended their process.
Stockton Borough Council on Dec. 15 approved Resolution 2025-91, authorizing refunds of $10,000 each to Local Flower LLC and Happy Tree Farmacy LLC after the borough denied letters of support required under its request-for-applications process.
The resolution states both applicants submitted the annual license fee of $10,000, which the borough’s RFA requires be refunded to applicants who are not issued a license. Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilperson Hunt and seconded by Councilperson Brown. The roll call recorded Brown, Hunt, Mann and Meltzer voting in favor; Councilperson Fisher was recorded as recused.
During public comment, resident Mike Odenwald sharply criticized the council’s handling of several matters related to cannabis licensing and other local decisions. Odenwald said, “Everything that's been voted on, discussed, collaborated, debated, in executive session, in out of the executive session, it's all going to come out … and it will come out in such a way that inevitably will indicate collusion, suppression, and just outright shenanigans.” Mayor Aaron Lipsen responded that commenters should address the chair and defended the borough’s review of the cannabis applications as lawful.
Attorney Lisa Maddox and council members discussed refund logistics and confirmation that the refunds are consistent with the borough’s RFA. The resolution lists the two payees and addresses for payment.
The council followed with other routine business for the evening. The vote on Resolution 2025-91 passed with one recusal and no recorded no votes.
