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Whitehall council tables StarrBuds variance, approves $2 million water bond and updated card rules
Summary
At a Jan. 27 special meeting the Whitehall Town Council unanimously tabled a proposed StarrBuds dispensary pending a zoning-variance application, approved Resolution 2025-5 authorizing up to $2,000,000 in water system revenue bonds, and amended financial policies for the Rodeo checking account and town credit cards.
Councilmember Linda Jung led discussion at a special Whitehall Town Council meeting on Jan. 27, urging that the StarrBuds cannabis dispensary proposal be postponed until the applicant files a zoning-variance application.
Jung said the town ordinance requires cannabis shops to be located in industrial zones and to be at least 500 feet from a public building, and that StarrBuds’ proposed location at 14 E Legion measures about 430 feet from the Public Works building. "Our ordinance states that a cannabis shop cannot be within 500 feet of a public building," Jung said, and she moved to table the item until a variance application is submitted. Councilmember Bill Lanes seconded; the motion carried unanimously.
The council also approved several resolutions and routine items. Pat Peterson moved to adopt Resolution 2025-1, to designate signers on the Whitehall Rodeo checking account and establish account guidelines; during discussion Peterson amended the motion to require a purchase-order policy be added to the resolution, and the amended motion passed unanimously. The consent agenda — which included a $485 billing correction for 7 W. Legion, a business license for Highway 55 Auto & Truck Repair, volunteer firefighter appointments, planning-board recommendations, two TIF requests (a $20,000 request for rec complex rodeo improvements and $5,000 for town speed signs), the appointment of Heaven Lee to a study commission, acceptance of Sherry Williamson’s resignation and employment of Sarah Unruh as clerk — was approved without objection.
On finance matters, the council approved Resolution 2025-5 authorizing up to $2,000,000 in water system revenue bonds and a $2,000,000 bond anticipation note; Councilmember Linda Jung moved to approve and Councilmember Bill Lanes seconded. The council also approved Resolution 2025-6 to authorize certain personnel to obtain and use town credit cards, amending the resolution to require immediate notification to the mayor and/or treasurer if a card is lost or stolen; that amendment carried unanimously.
During the public-comment period, resident Maxine Samuelson praised Jung’s dedication and asked that hydrants be flushed annually. Kory Klapan said hydrants are tested and flushed each year but noted the Pullman Park hydrant is broken and should be removed. Guest Liz Pullman asked why the special meeting time changed, and Colton Howser asked to be added to the town’s notification list because he does not use social media.
Under unscheduled matters, Jung and Jim Buterbaugh discussed the newly formed study commission; Jung said Buterbaugh is the chair, Heaven Lee is secretary/treasurer, and Rhea Armstrong and Jung are also members, and requested that contact phone numbers for commission leaders be published so the public can reach them.
The council signed the bill/claim approval list and adjourned. The next regular Whitehall Town Council meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
