HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2005-06-27
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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
SPECIAL MEETING
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
400 GRAND A VENUE
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2005
(Cassette Tape No.1)
1.
Call to Order
6:15 p.m.
2.
Roll Call
Present:
Councilmembers Garbarino, Gonzalez and
Matsumoto, Mayor Pro Tern Fernekes and
Mayor Green
Absent:
None
Staff present:
City Manager Nagel, City Attorney Williams,
Assistant City Manager Van Duyn, Police
Captain Massoni, Sergeants Eastman and
Normandy, and Corporal Smith
3. Public Comments
Mr. Grant Miller, resident, stated he supports the use of medical marijuana for those who
are sick and dying, but is concerned with the lack of regulations. He urged Council to
extend the moratorium.
4. Public Hearing: Consideration of extending Urgency Ordinance No. 1351-2005,
Moratorium on the Establishment and Operation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, for a
period of 10 months, 15 days
Public hearing opened.
Staff report presented by Chief Planner Sparks.
Public hearing closed.
Councilwoman Matsumoto requested that the proposed ordinance to regulate marijuana
distribution include strict requirements on locations, such as not near schools and not in the
downtown area.
Sergeant Normandy distributed an informational booklet on medical marijuana to Council,
and cautioned against using the term "dispensary". He stated that dispensary, by definition,
does not quality as "primary caregiver".
Councilman Gonzalez stated his concern is abuse by the consumer and the impact that it
will have on the police department and ultimately the City's budget.
Councilman Garbarino asked if the caregivers will require a business license and staff
responded that it was unclear at this time. Staff clarified that if there is an exchange of
money, a financial transaction, then a business license will be required. Councilman
Garbarino further stated his concern regarding consumers driving under the influence.
City Attorney Williams informed Council that Congress is addressing the use of medical
marijuana, which makes it complex for local jurisdictions to craft laws that are going to be
effective as the law may change depending on what legislature does. She further stated that
it is because of state law this issue needs to be addressed.
Mayor Green stated his concern that residential caregivers, such as the resident on Wilms
A venue, are in a position of having their marijuana plants harvested by neighborhood
juveniles, and felt that this type of circumstance needed to be regulated. He asked that staff
explore the possibility of having one central location in the County, such as at the County
hospital.
Councilwoman Matsumoto and Mayor Pro Tern Fernekes suggested restricting locations to
certain zones, as was previously done with bookstores.
Councilman Gonzalez stated support for exploring the suggestion of a central location in
the County, such as at a hospital.
Noting that members ofthe public were wishing to speak, Mayor Green re..opened the
public hearing.
Mr. David Abelgas, residence unknown, stated he is a victim of leukemia and explained the
benefits of marijuana in comparison to other medical alternatives and the advantages of a
dispensary as an alternative to other methods of obtaining the drug.
Ms. Francis Ellis, resident, described her diverse medical challenges and daily consumption
of marijuana.
Mr. Tariq Alazraie, Mason Street dispensary in San Francisco and resident of San Bruno,
stated his disappointment that the City is postponing adoption of an ordinance regulating
dispensaries. He stated that the number of his clients from San Mateo County has doubled.
Councilwoman Matsumoto questioned why South San Francisco is being considered when
other cities have better public transportation. Mr. Alazraie stated he was more familiar
with South San Francisco and that it's a shorter drive to South San Francisco than San
Francisco. Mr. Alazraie stated he has withdrawn his application for a dispensary for many
reasons.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 27, 2005, 2005
PAGE 2
Public hearing closed.
Motion-Fernekes/Second-Gonzalez: To introduce, waive reading and adopt Interim
Ordinance No. 1356-2005, making findings and extending a temporary moratorium on the
establishment and operation of medical marijuana dispensaries, to become effective
immediately, for a period of 10 months, 15 days. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
Mayor Green directed staff to also look into the issue of who can legally grow marijuana
and that it is grown in a safe environment.
5. Adjournment
Being no further business, Mayor Green adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by:
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Sylvia M. Payne, City Clerk
City of South San Francisco
Approved:
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Raymond L. Green, Mayor
City of South San Francisco
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 27, 2005, 2005
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