Pubdate: Tue, 22 Jul 2008
Source: Eureka Reporter, The (CA)
Copyright: 2008 The Eureka Reporter
Contact:  http://www.eurekareporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3289
Author: Cerena Johnson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)

COUNCIL ADOPTS ORDINANCE PROHIBITING MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

The Fortuna City Council adopted an ordinance on Monday  that
prohibits the establishment and operation of  medical marijuana
dispensaries within city limits.

The ordinance outlines inconsistencies between state and federal law
regarding the possession, sale and  distribution of marijuana and a
threat to public health  and safety.

Under the ordinance, any existing dispensaries are also required to
cease operations.

Those who violate provisions of the ordinance will be guilty of a
misdemeanor.

Without discussion among the council and with no member of the public
coming forward to comment, the council  unanimously adopted the
ordinance, with Mayor John  Campbell absent.

The council first began to discuss a possible ordinance at the May 19
city council meeting.

City Manager Duane Rigge said the ordinance is not intended to
address the use of medical marijuana, but noted struggles within
other communities in regulating  dispensaries after they have been
established, such as  in Arcata.

"We have had no direct issues," Rigge said. "We wanted to be
proactive."

The council also took up discussion on the  consideration of
annexations of several areas  surrounding the city, including the area
west of  Riverwalk Drive; the area north of Carson Woods Road;
Strongs Creek Valley east of Rohnerville Road; and the airport area
south of Drake Hill Road.

The city is currently in the process of updating its  General Plan,
which includes a proposed land-use map.

The city has received some requests for annexation from property
owners.

The process for annexation involves pre-zoning by the  city, followed
by bringing the proposal before the  Local Agency Formation
Commission, said Deputy Director  of Community Development Liz Shorey.

Councilmember Dean Glaser said the Carson Road area  would be the most
controversial of the locations, with  more people living in the area,
and said he knew of  individuals in the Riverwalk area that do not
want to  annex.

"Democracy, not a republic will come into play," he
said.

Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Whitchurch said most of the debate on
annexation would take place before the  council before the process
continues.

"This is not a unilateral action," Rigge said, and said the city
cannot annex without support.

Councilmember Douglas Strehl said he would like to see the airport
area moved higher up on the list.

"I'm an advocate of industry," he said. "We need jobs."

Additionally Monday, the council authorized award of a construction
contract to Granite Construction Company  for $699,000 with a maximum
contract amount of $839,000  for the Vancil Reservoir improvement
project, and  authorized a letter of support to the Humboldt Bay
Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District  encouraging port and
rail development.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin