Council Happenings Jan 26th
Here's a rundown of what's on the agenda for Tuesday night's council meeting.
1) Extention of Interim Urgency Ordinance of temporary prohibition against establishment and operation of all marijuana manufacturing activities.
This will extend the moratorium by 10 months and 15 days, expiring December 20, 2010, So all things marijuana would have to wait until all discrepencies pertaining to federal and state law are resolved.
2) Police Department purchase of camera system
Our Police Chief has requested the use of funds from the Asset Forfeiture Fund to purchase a vehicle-mounted camera. The camera can read up to 4 license plates at a time and recognize if it's a stolen vehicle and immediately alert the officer.
3) Climate Action Plan (CAP) consultant selection
Sadly, our state legislature and governor signed into law AB 32 and SB 375, which relate to the hysteria about CO2 emmissions and so-called Green House Gases that will apparently kill us all, some day, about 2,000 years from now. The bills are bad for California businesses and residents and will surely further cripple the state financially. Nevermind the fact that other huge CO2 emitting countries have said "Fat chance we'll ever follow those rules! " Apparently it's up to Californian's to save the planet, one job loss at a time.
Since that's the law, we now have to comply with the ridiculous and onerous regulation of having a Climate Action Plan. This is a vote on the selection of a firm to prepare the plan.
4) Appointment of Ad Hoc Sub-Committee to review Draft General Plan
I want this committee formed so we have as many eyes as possible picking through the General Plan to make sure we get it right. Brown Act rules dictate that no more than two council members may be on this committee.
1) Extention of Interim Urgency Ordinance of temporary prohibition against establishment and operation of all marijuana manufacturing activities.
This will extend the moratorium by 10 months and 15 days, expiring December 20, 2010, So all things marijuana would have to wait until all discrepencies pertaining to federal and state law are resolved.
2) Police Department purchase of camera system
Our Police Chief has requested the use of funds from the Asset Forfeiture Fund to purchase a vehicle-mounted camera. The camera can read up to 4 license plates at a time and recognize if it's a stolen vehicle and immediately alert the officer.
3) Climate Action Plan (CAP) consultant selection
Sadly, our state legislature and governor signed into law AB 32 and SB 375, which relate to the hysteria about CO2 emmissions and so-called Green House Gases that will apparently kill us all, some day, about 2,000 years from now. The bills are bad for California businesses and residents and will surely further cripple the state financially. Nevermind the fact that other huge CO2 emitting countries have said "Fat chance we'll ever follow those rules! " Apparently it's up to Californian's to save the planet, one job loss at a time.
Since that's the law, we now have to comply with the ridiculous and onerous regulation of having a Climate Action Plan. This is a vote on the selection of a firm to prepare the plan.
4) Appointment of Ad Hoc Sub-Committee to review Draft General Plan
I want this committee formed so we have as many eyes as possible picking through the General Plan to make sure we get it right. Brown Act rules dictate that no more than two council members may be on this committee.
posted by Melissa Melendez at
2:08 AM
7 Comments:
Melissa - I have been told that organizations and municipalities can send a letter to Sacramento (somewhere) requesting a postponement of implementation on AB32 for a year. Do you know anything about that? Am checking with sources right now but since you mention it I thought you might know. (How do you really feel about the bill?)
Gene Wunderlich
Gene - I'm not aware of the option but you bet I'll ask! Thanks for the info.
The extension of the moratorium on marijuana manufacturing activities passed unanimously.
The camera purchase for the police department passed unanimously. The money used to purchase this camera will come from the Asset Forfeiture Fund, which is money that is only on equipment purchases for the police department.
We also voted unanimously (not like we had a choice) to select a firm to produce our Climate Action Plan, which must be part of our General Plan.
The Ad Hoc sub-committee to review and scrutinize the General Plan did not pass. Councilman Magee strongly opposed the formation of the committee and there was a lack of interest from the rest of the council.
I am confused about a couple things regarding the Medical Marijuana issue, maybe you can help me. First, I'm told there are already 5 dispenseries in our city, is that correct? So are all the petitions and so forth, for the right to grow/manufacture marijuana? I thought the whole issue was Mr. Williams wanting to open his own shop. I'm trying to understand the issue and stay open minded but I was confused when I was told there were already shops popping up. While I don't have a medical need or desire to use medical marijuana (last thing I need is something that makes me want to sit on the couch and eat oreos..) Mr. Williams certainly seems passionate about the issue and is articulate and well spoken in his posts. I like that he includes giving back to the city in his proposal, I guess I'm just wanting to understand the city's reluctance and what it is exactly that he is trying to achieve. Thanks for any clarification you can provide.
Regaring the marijuana issue..If there are 5 dispensaries in our city, then Houston, we have a problem. The correct number of dispensaries allowed in LE is ZERO. We have no dispensaries that I know of, or that the police department knows of. I've been told twice now there is some business marijuana related on Grand, which is in the county. I am checking with the PD on that one. Dispensaries are also banned in the county, so if there is one, it's not legal.
Mr. Williams does indeed want to open a dispensary. His request is that the city lift the ban on dispensaries.
For me as your Mayor, I have to tell you I have not heard from an overwhelming majority of LE residents that they want this ban lifted. I've only heard from a handful to be honest. So to change the rules that the majority of residents agreed with when the ban was put into place seems unreasonable. My job is to listen to the residents who live here, not residents from Wildomar, which is where Mr. Williams lives.
In addition, this issue will likely appear on the ballot in November. I have not yet seen in writing the proposed legislation.
The concern with dispensaries is that it will attract crime. A large wharehouse full of marijuana, which could be sold for thousands on the street illegally, would probably look pretty attractive to someone with criminal intent. It's not the medicinal user people are worried about, it's the recreational users and those up to no good.
I hope this has shed a little light on the topic for you. If not, let me know and I'll keep trying!
Thanks for your response. Hopefully it will end up on the ballot in November and can be settled either way once and for all.
I too heard that a new dispensary had just opened on Grand. If I hear anything about the location of the others I'll pass it on. My biggest concern also would be the crime these businesses could attract. And while I agree that you need to listen to the residents, I think the business owners in our community are important as well and deserve to be heard and their concerns addressed. It sounds like Mr. Williams has owned several businesses here and been active in the community for a number of years. While we may not like his latest business venture, he shouldn't be dismissed out of hand simply because he is not a resident. Just sayin.. I personally would rather not see any dispensaries. Or any more liquor stores or check cashing businesses for that matter. They just cheapen the look of the city.
You make a good point, he should not be dismissed just because he doesn't live here. I guess my point was that I haven't seen any LE residents coming forward screaming for a dispensary, or any business owners for that matter.
I think Mr. Williams is convinced that this all boils down to a personal feeling about marijuana, but that honestly is not the case. I hear from his supporters that they think we're inserting our own morals into the issue, but none of us, to my knowledge, have ever said one word against or in favor of medical marijuana, or just marijuana in general.
Anyway, thanks for your take on it, it's always nice to hear from someone who isn't screaming their message in my face. :)
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