Steve Smith
The process of defining what’s permissible and what isn’t for retail and medical marijuana sales is getting closer to the hands of Fort Lupton City Council.
The first public hearing on ordinances was May 13. Council’s first hearing is set for May 18.
Voters approved the sale of medical and retail marijuana in the November election.
During a town hall meeting May 12, Mayor Zo Stieber brought up the idea of a sales-tax election in November.
“If we allow grow operations, we would want to have some sort of opportunity to defray our expenses,” she said. “Since that operation would not be retail, we would need an excise tax, which has to go to the voters.”
In earlier discussions, council expressed its desire to not allow medical or retail marijuana businesses in its downtown area, specifically along Denver Avenue between First and Ninth streets. Council heard a suggestion May 12 to expand the “no-marijuana” zone to include the area between Pacific and Park avenues.
“It helps ensure the cannabis business stays out of downtown,” said a note from resident Steve Smith that Stieber read into the record.
She wasn’t on board.
“I’m not inclined to go to Pacific Avenue,” she said. “It’s residential areas, and those are excluded.”
Councilwoman Shannon Rhoda thought the existing council should use a ‘red flag” for future councils’ consideration.
“Right now, marijuana businesses are not allowed by schools. Part of the downtown does not qualify to begin with, and we do not need to make changes,” she said. “If the school moves, then it will change the dynamics of that area concerning marijuana businesses. I wanted a red flag to pop up somehow if that happens so that future councils can decide if they want to allow that or include that area in the no marijuana businesses section at that time.”
Stieber also requested a chance to view business qualifications. She said she would agree with the suggestions.
“I would want to see any new business succeed,” she said.