CITY COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE

The Chelsea City Council approved the first reading of its zoning
ordinance Tuesday that would prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries
in the city.

The council plans to approve the second reading of the ordinance at
its meeting on Dec. 14.

Though no dispensaries are currently in Chelsea, and there are no
applications on file, if passed, the ordinance would prohibit future
dispensaries within the city limits.

"The issue of medical marijuana dispensaries have been a growing
concern since the use was voted upon in 2008," the city said in a
statement included in the council's information packet. "oeSome
communities have attempted to control the spread of the clinics by
allowing them only in certain zoning districts, others by prohibiting
them as the activity violates federal law. Staff feels this amendment
is the preferable method for controlling these types of activities."

Before voting, council member Rod Anderson asked what the process
would be if the conflict between state and federal law was resolved
concerning medical marijuana.

"I agree 100 percent with the basis of this ordinance," he said.
"However, we need to remember that two-thirds of the state's voters
approved the ballot initiative, and I think we need to keep an open
mind if the state comes up with a way to rectify the law. We have to
remember that it was strongly approved by the constituency."

On Sept. 28, the city council placed a 60-day moratorium on the
establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries to give the planning
commission time to develop wording for the ordinance.

In other news:

1) The council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 in
response for a request by Frame Hardwoods, Inc. for an industrial
facilities tax exemption.

2) The council voted to reappoint Chuck Schauer and Richard Bauer for
another three-year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Schauer and
Bauer's terms both expired in September.

3) The council voted to appoint Mary Schroer to the planning
commission to fill a vacancy left by Rita Holmes. The term will
expire in June 2012.