Committee requires $10,000 escrow and seeks outside counsel as cannabis ordinance work proceeds

Mannington Township’s solicitor told the committee March 9 that the township is moving forward on drafting a local cannabis ordinance and should hire outside counsel experienced in cannabis licensing.

Solicitor Horner said he contacted Ron Mondello, an attorney who works on cannabis matters statewide, and that Mondello advised ensuring tax revenue language is correct and that the ordinance set up an escrow to cover preparation costs. Horner also reported the proposed retail location falls in the township’s Conservation Zoning District and said he had contacted Planner Michael Sullivan and recommended coordination between Mondello and Sullivan. Horner told the committee he contacted David Avedissian about establishing an escrow account; Avedissian agreed to set one up.

Deputy Mayor DiGregorio moved, and Committeeman Mitchell seconded, a motion requiring a $10,000 escrow agreement from David Avedissian for the work on the cannabis ordinance and to entertain a proposal from Ron Mondello; the motion carried.

The committee’s action requires the escrow to be established and replenished if it dips below a required balance; Horner said that arrangement would cover external counsel and ordinance-preparation costs. The township did not adopt final ordinance language at the workshop; the action authorizes staff and the solicitor to pursue the proposal and escrow arrangement.