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Lewis County schedules public hearings on cannabis retail, alarm‑system code repeal and ordinance on opioid endangerment
Summary
The board formally set hearings for a proposed cannabis retail code, a repeal of alarm-system code, and an ordinance to criminalize permitting children or dependents to contact schedule 1 or 2 opioids; staff requested more review and coordination with the prosecutor's office.
The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners approved notices for multiple hearings and discussed draft language for a proposed ordinance addressing opioid exposure to children.
Mindy Brooks, director of community development, said the county will hold a public hearing on cannabis retail (Resolution 26-246) on Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. and invited written comments through the hearing. Brooks asked whether staff could use more time for a fuller presentation at the Wednesday workshop so commissioners could review the planning commission package. "Can we have time next Wednesday for a longer presentation during Wednesday workshop?" she asked.
Staff also advertised a hearing on Ordinance 13-83 to repeal Chapter 9.15 (alarm systems), with written comments due by 10 a.m. on Aug. 16 and the hearing scheduled on Aug. 18. County staff explained that the alarm code has not been enforced for several years and the repeal is intended to clean up obsolete code.
Commissioners heard staff introduce Ordinance 13-84, which would add a chapter titled “mistreatment of children and dependent persons” to establish penalties for knowingly or recklessly permitting a child or dependent person to ingest, inhale, absorb or have contact with schedule 1 or schedule 2 opioid controlled substances. Staff said legitimate medical prescriptions administered by authorized prescribers would be exempt and that violations could be punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. A commissioner requested tailoring the schedule language to address fentanyl and carfentanil specifically, and staff said they are working with the prosecutor’s office and law enforcement to refine charging language before hearings.
Each hearing will include an opportunity for written comments and public testimony per the posted schedule; staff will prepare materials for the workshop and hearings as requested by commissioners.
