COUNCIL ADOPTS ORDINANCE PROHIBITING MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

The Fortuna City Council adopted an ordinance on Monday that
prohibits the establishment and operation of medical marijuana
dispensaries within city limits.

The ordinance outlines inconsistencies between state and federal law
regarding the possession, sale and distribution of marijuana and a
threat to public health and safety.

Under the ordinance, any existing dispensaries are also required to
cease operations.

Those who violate provisions of the ordinance will be guilty of a
misdemeanor.

Without discussion among the council and with no member of the public
coming forward to comment, the council unanimously adopted the
ordinance, with Mayor John Campbell absent.

The council first began to discuss a possible ordinance at the May 19
city council meeting.

City Manager Duane Rigge said the ordinance is not intended to
address the use of medical marijuana, but noted struggles within
other communities in regulating dispensaries after they have been
established, such as in Arcata.

"We have had no direct issues," Rigge said. "We wanted to be
proactive."

The council also took up discussion on the consideration of
annexations of several areas surrounding the city, including the area
west of Riverwalk Drive; the area north of Carson Woods Road;
Strongs Creek Valley east of Rohnerville Road; and the airport area
south of Drake Hill Road.

The city is currently in the process of updating its General Plan,
which includes a proposed land-use map.

The city has received some requests for annexation from property
owners.

The process for annexation involves pre-zoning by the city, followed
by bringing the proposal before the Local Agency Formation
Commission, said Deputy Director of Community Development Liz Shorey.

Councilmember Dean Glaser said the Carson Road area would be the most
controversial of the locations, with more people living in the area,
and said he knew of individuals in the Riverwalk area that do not
want to annex.

"Democracy, not a republic will come into play," he
said.

Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Whitchurch said most of the debate on
annexation would take place before the council before the process
continues.

"This is not a unilateral action," Rigge said, and said the city
cannot annex without support.

Councilmember Douglas Strehl said he would like to see the airport
area moved higher up on the list.

"I'm an advocate of industry," he said. "We need jobs."

Additionally Monday, the council authorized award of a construction
contract to Granite Construction Company for $699,000 with a maximum
contract amount of $839,000 for the Vancil Reservoir improvement
project, and authorized a letter of support to the Humboldt Bay
Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District encouraging port and
rail development.