BUTTE POT SHOP BAN FAILS

For the second time in a week, Butte-Silver Bow commissioners failed
to pass a moratorium on medical marijuana business licenses in the
county.

At a special meeting Wednesday, this time around commissioners did not
discuss and debate the issue at length. They got right to a vote that
ended in a 6-6 tie.

With all 12 in attendance, the moratorium needed eight commissioners
to vote in favor, or a two-thirds majority, for the motion to pass.

Voting in favor of the moratorium were commissioners Wally Frasz,
Ristene Hall, Joe Lee, Charlie O'Leary, Dave Palmer and Cindi Shaw.
Voting against were Dan Foley, Glen Granger, Mark Moodry, John Morgan,
Terri Schultz and Mike Sheehy.

Council Chairman Dave Palmer requested the special meeting to
reconsider the marijuana moratorium after the issue failed by a 6-4
vote last week.

The council could still look at instituting an ordinance against more
medical marijuana providers, but that would have to move through the
council's committees and hear public comment.

More than 20 medical marijuana distributors are licensed to operate in
Butte-Silver Bow.