POT SHOPS HOT ISSUE IN DIXON

Dixon's ordinance on medical marijuana is a little hazy, so the City
Council is considering a moratorium on dispensaries in the city to
clear up things.

City leaders recently were contacted by several people inquiring about
zoning districts and the process for opening a medical marijuana or
cannabis dispensary business.

Dixon already has a medical marijuana dispensary ordinance, which was
passed in 2004. With a use permit, the ordinance allows those types of
dispensaries in the city within the zoning for professional and
administrative offices.

Because of increased interest, according to a staff report, Dixon's
city manager, police chief and community development director met with
Solano County District Attorney Dave Paulson to discuss the city's
ordinance and how his office might handle any cases involving the
dispensing of marijuana in the city.

Paulson, according to the staff report, shared concern due to recent
guidelines issued by the state's attorney general, Dixon's ordinance
was not clear about the nature of a legal dispensary.

To give the city time to amend the ordinance, city staff is
recommending that the City Council approve a moratorium.

If the council passes the moratorium, it will give staff 45 days to
evaluate the ordinance. A moratorium also can be extended twice.

Prior to discuss the dispensary ordinance, the council will consider
the project for a proposed Flying J Travel Plaza to sit on 27 acres
south of the Interstate 80 and Pedrick Road intersection.

Last week, planning commissioners considered the environmental impact
report and development agreement. The development agreement received a
6-0 vote in favor of the document. Commissioner Yvonne McCluskey
abstained because of a possible conflict of interest.

The environmental impact report hit an obstacle with a 3-3 tie vote.
The hang-up was on whether or not Flying J should build an additional
shade structure to cover 30 truck parking spaces.

In other action, the council will consider adding to, or amending,
various sections of the zoning ordinance about signs.

The Dixon City Council meets at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber,
600 East A St.