COUNCIL TO MULL BALLOT BID TO BAN POT SHOPS

AURORA | A ballot initiative asking voters whether they want to
prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries in the city is nearing
approval, as Aurora City Council members are scheduled to discuss
the issue Monday.

The ballot question, along with a proposal to extend the city's
current moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries until July 1,
2011, are among the topics set for discussion at city council's
study session beginning around 5:40 p.m. June 7.

Both proposals need to be formally approved by council members at a
regular session, which could happen as early as June 14.

The Colorado Legislature recently passed legislation that allows
cities to either ban dispensaries at city council discretion, or ask
voters whether they want to ban dispensaries within their city limits.

The new statewide law allows for ballot language that can only ask
voters whether they want to prohibit the operation of medical
marijuana centers, grow operations, and manufacturers' licenses for
medical marijuana-infused products. The city won't include language
about location of dispensaries and other restrictions, said the
city's attorney, Charlie Richardson.

About 65 percent of people polled throughout the state said they
approve of dispensaries, said Mason Tvert, executive director of the
Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation.

Also at the study session, Councilman Bob FitzGerald will present
his idea to lower or completely eliminate property taxes for new
manufacturing facilities in the city.

The proposal would create incentives to attract new business and
encourage the expansion and redevelopment of existing businesses,
according to city documents.

A new or expanded manufacturing facility, in its first year of
operation, could be eligible for a credit of up to 100 percent of
the property tax levied by the city. In the second year, the tax
credit will drop to 90 percent and in the third and fourth year, the
credit will drop to 80 percent, according to the documents.