Pubdate: Tue, 24 Feb 2015
Source: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (AK)
Copyright: 2015 Fairbanks Publishing Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://newsminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/764
Author: Robin Wood

FAIRBANKS CITY COUNCIL DEFINES POT-APPROVED PUBLIC AREAS

FAIRBANKS - The Fairbanks City Council unanimously approved an 
ordinance on Monday defining the term "public" in regards to 
marijuana consumption inside city limits. The 6-0 vote occurred on 
the night before legalization.

The ordinance adds a new section to Fairbanks General Code Chapter 
46, which originally banned alcohol consumption in certain public places.

Language added to the code says it is unlawful for any person to 
knowingly consume marijuana "(1) On, in, or upon any public place, 
except as permitted by ordinance, regulation, statute or permit; or 
(2) Outdoors on property adjacent to a public place, and without 
consent of the owner or person in control thereof."

Violation is a minor offense punishable by a $100 fine. A financial 
benefit of the ordinance is that any fines are funneled to city 
coffers, rather than state.

Councilmen David Pruhs, Jerry Cleworth, Bernard Gatewood and Jim 
Matherly all expressed personal opposition to legalized cannabis, but 
wanted to do their best to honor the will of the voters.

Pruhs, who sponsored the ordinance, said, "This will be the easy one, 
in the future we will have the business aspect."

Pruhs clarified "outdoors on property adjacent to a public place, and 
without consent of the owner or person in control thereof," saying 
it's all right to smoke in a back yard, provided the property owner 
gives consent. The wording is to prevent someone from simply stepping 
onto private property if caught smoking in public.

Pruhs said the likely next step is to codify for disturbing the peace.

Public testimony was short and generally favored the ordinance and 
legalization.

Frank Berardi, Coalition for Responsible Cannabis Legislation board 
chairman, said the coalition supports the ordinance. "It's one of the 
least restrictive around the state," Berardi said.

One public commenter encouraged the city, the Fairbanks North Star 
Borough and the city of North Pole to form a congruent set of definitions.

Looking forward, council members acknowledged defining "public" is 
just the tip of the iceberg. "Zoning is gonna be a very controversial 
subject," Cleworth said, adding the heaviest zoning weight will fall 
on the borough.

Exclusive Paving awarded contract

The council approved without discussion a resolution awarding 
Exclusive Paving Inc. a $396,999 contract for West Barnette Street 
resurfacing and drainage improvements.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom