pages: CityCouncil/2020-10-20.pdf, 17
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CityCouncil | 2020-10-20 | 17 | The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded every operator and retail dispensary must have two valid permits: use permit and operators permit; stated the operators permit is issued by staff and the primary department is the Police Department; the permits are reviewed and must be reissued each year; the reissuance allows the City leverage and power to ensure operators are good neighbors. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the security guards are armed. The Planner III responded cannabis business regulations allow, but do not mandate, security guards to carry firearms; stated the Police Chief can require any type of conditions for public safety and welfare; the dispensary on Webster Street has unarmed guards during business hours and use an armored truck when receiving shipments. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about an armed guard pursuing a sales transaction; stated the Police should be called regarding any illegal transactions. Vice Mayor Knox White stated Council must follow the rules that have been set up; it is not fair to ask people to jump through hoops just to have capricious decisions made at the end; legal cannabis is a new thing and concerns are understandable; the previous Council set up rules and protections in a good way; outlined the one year operating license requirement; expressed support for denying the appeal and allowing the project to move forward. Councilmember Vella moved approval of denying the appeal and approving the use permit application [adoption of the resolution]; stated Council spent time discussing and formulating the process for applications and locations; it would be unfair for the standard to be changed after many public meetings discussing the processes; the Planning Board put in a lot of time and consideration to the project. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Oddie stated nothing has bene presented that would make him support overturning the unanimous decision by the Planning Board; expressed concern about asking for more restrictions on different items that other businesses are not subject to; outlined security details of pharmacies; stated Council should be careful about the words used to describe products; cannabis was legalized by the voters of the State of California and is regulated by the State legislature; medicinal use has been permitted for over 20 years; expressed concern about describing cannabis as a drug and reinforcing stereotypes; expressed support for the motion. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification that denying the appeal and approving the use permit is subject to the modified conditions of approval; noted the closing hour is an hour later than the ordinance allows, to which Councilmember Vella responded in the affirmative. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council October 20, 2020 16 | CityCouncil/2020-10-20.pdf |