Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
The Rio Dell City Council on Tuesday evening passed its commercial medical cannabis land use regulations after a short discussion among council members and a few public comments from a crowd that almost filled the council chambers.
During the regular meeting the council also was presented with information on Redwood Coast Energy Authority's Redwood Community Energy plan and the Rio Dell Community Resource Center. All council members were present for the meeting except councilman Tim Marks, who Mayor Frank Wilson said had an excused absence.
The cannabis regulations passed with a 3-1 vote with Wilson dissenting. The regulation restricts all cannabis business activity to the Eel River Sawmill annex site north of the city. It also prohibits any outdoor growing and mandates certain security measures. Personal Proposition 215 grows aren't affected by the passage of these laws.
Mike Martino, one of two people who so far have shown interest in opening a commercial medical cannabis business in Rio Dell, spoke during the public comment period about what passing the regulation could mean for the town.
"I'm happy to invest in making a beautiful business park that you would be proud of," he said.
Martino added that he plans on investing $10 million in opening the business and create 75 jobs.
"We have two project proponents that are very interested in investing up to $12 million in the community," Community Development Director Kevin Caldwell said.
He added that a total of 100 jobs would be created with the two businesses and even without taxing the businesses the city will get revenue from increased property taxes.
Martino said that in the uncertain future of the marijuana industry if his facility becomes no longer viable for marijuana activities, it could be used for other businesses.
"It doesn't limit itself to just marijuana. It's just off the 101," Martino said, adding that there's a shortage of commercial space in the county.
Another man in the crowd came forward to ask about why the city wants people to invest in a site in the flood zone.
Caldwell responded that all businesses in the site will have to comply with all city and FEMA flood regulations.
"They would have to build up the foundation," he said about businesses on the south end of the site.
Dennis Wendt, who owns the sawmill site in question, expressed his support of the regulations during the meeting.
"This had been dragging on for a year," he said.
By law the regulations will go into affect 30 days following the passing of the second reading.
Rio Dell residents can show the council their opinion on the regulations by voting yes or no on Measure T during the November election.
"If we vote this in tonight, in three weeks we will listen to the will of the people," Wilson said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Rio Dell City Council Passes Cannabis Regulation
Author: Hunter Cresswell
Contact: 707-441-0500
Photo Credit: Hunter Cresswell
Website: Times Standard
During the regular meeting the council also was presented with information on Redwood Coast Energy Authority's Redwood Community Energy plan and the Rio Dell Community Resource Center. All council members were present for the meeting except councilman Tim Marks, who Mayor Frank Wilson said had an excused absence.
The cannabis regulations passed with a 3-1 vote with Wilson dissenting. The regulation restricts all cannabis business activity to the Eel River Sawmill annex site north of the city. It also prohibits any outdoor growing and mandates certain security measures. Personal Proposition 215 grows aren't affected by the passage of these laws.
Mike Martino, one of two people who so far have shown interest in opening a commercial medical cannabis business in Rio Dell, spoke during the public comment period about what passing the regulation could mean for the town.
"I'm happy to invest in making a beautiful business park that you would be proud of," he said.
Martino added that he plans on investing $10 million in opening the business and create 75 jobs.
"We have two project proponents that are very interested in investing up to $12 million in the community," Community Development Director Kevin Caldwell said.
He added that a total of 100 jobs would be created with the two businesses and even without taxing the businesses the city will get revenue from increased property taxes.
Martino said that in the uncertain future of the marijuana industry if his facility becomes no longer viable for marijuana activities, it could be used for other businesses.
"It doesn't limit itself to just marijuana. It's just off the 101," Martino said, adding that there's a shortage of commercial space in the county.
Another man in the crowd came forward to ask about why the city wants people to invest in a site in the flood zone.
Caldwell responded that all businesses in the site will have to comply with all city and FEMA flood regulations.
"They would have to build up the foundation," he said about businesses on the south end of the site.
Dennis Wendt, who owns the sawmill site in question, expressed his support of the regulations during the meeting.
"This had been dragging on for a year," he said.
By law the regulations will go into affect 30 days following the passing of the second reading.
Rio Dell residents can show the council their opinion on the regulations by voting yes or no on Measure T during the November election.
"If we vote this in tonight, in three weeks we will listen to the will of the people," Wilson said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Rio Dell City Council Passes Cannabis Regulation
Author: Hunter Cresswell
Contact: 707-441-0500
Photo Credit: Hunter Cresswell
Website: Times Standard
