GRANTS DISCUSSES CANNABIS TRANSPORT SERVICE

Planning and Zoning Commission Considers Three Business Sites

GRANTS - "We have scrutinized this pretty thoroughly," said Marty
McBride, City of Grants' code enforcement officer. He noted the type
of product transported is not the issue because medical transport
services are highly regulated by federal and state agencies.

James and Mellisa Gurule requested a home-occupancy permit at the
planning and zoning commission's Dec. 14 session. The medical cannabis
courier service would be located at their residence.

"They are not selling it (a federally controlled substance), just
transporting it, " said the code enforcement officer. A licensed farm
produces the medicinal plant and the Gurules must prove they are farm
employees. The product would not be stored at their home, according to
McBride.

"This is going to be a very interesting situation," said Jamie Holton,
commission chair. She pointed out the applicants must be licensed by
the city as a home-based business.

McBride agreed and said it was his understanding that the city would
issue a business license contingent upon the Gurules' appearance
before the commission. The applicants were not present.

Bob Horacek, city manager, said the issue is pretty clear-cut. If
someone plans to operate a business from a residentially zoned
location, they must comply with the home-occupancy use permit
requirements prior to obtaining a business license.

Other business-related discussions focused on the mandatory removal of
two commercial buildings on First Street. Sema and Marty Schub own the
structures, one in the 500 block and the other in the 400 block. The
owners appealed the buildings' demolition status.

The city council had previously designated the Platform Bedding
building, number 500, as a public nuisance and mandated its removal.
Bill Johnson and Bruce Boynton, the Schub's representatives, said the
owners are committed to restoring the building. Steel doors have been
installed on all entrances and wooden infrastructures were removed to
prevent possible arson. "Unless they break in there is no way for
transients to get inside," said Johnson.

The building has been deemed structurally sound, according to Boynton.
The owners are seeking new occupants. Possible future uses include
leasing spaces for vehicle storage or an indoor-exercise track. One
local gym has expressed an interest in the latter option.

The commissioners agreed that the exterior needs paint but Johnson
said the $14,000 estimate seemed excessive. The commission approved
the appeal.

Number 400, with the same owners, is also on the demolition list. But
this is a different story. The Schubs prefer to remove the building
and leave only the foundation and concrete pad on the site. Johnson
pointed out that the owners have limited access to funds and requested
extra time to complete the removal process. The commission agreed to a
90-day extension.

Commission decisions are recommendations to the city council, which
has final authority.

The next planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for Jan. 11. For
more information call 287-7927.