- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Clearlake City Council to consider policy relating to projects in cannabis exclusion area
The council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
At the start of the meeting, there will be the swearing-in of new police dispatcher Miranda Logan, presentation of recognition to Sgt. Dominic Ramirez for his years of service and recognition for police department employees, and presentations by Lake Transit Mobility Programs Manager Karl Parker on the Lake Links program and Vikki Patino, a partnership specialist for the US Census Bureau, on the 2020 Census.
In council business, council members will discuss a policy to provide letters of support for projects within the county of Lake’s cannabis exclusion area.
In a report to the council, City Manager Alan Flora and City Attorney Ryan Jones are recommending the adoption of a new policy that would allow the city to issue support letters to the county for cannabis projects located within the exclusion area – 1,000 feet from the city boundary – under certain circumstances, including in cases where the property is contiguous with a property within the city that is designated for; and if the city requests the county condition the approval of any appropriate project permit to address the projects impacts on city infrastructure and resources.
Flora and Jones reported that there are several applicants or potential applicants that are interested in cultivating cannabis within the exclusion area around the city of Clearlake, primarily in the Ogulin Canyon area.
“One application has been received by the County as well as a request to the City that a letter of support be provided to allow cultivation within the Exclusion Area. On October 10, 2019 the Council provided direction related to staff on developing a policy regarding projects within the cannabis exclusion area. The Council was split on whether to provide letters of support for any project, however the majority directed a policy framework be crafted and brought back for final Consideration,” the report said.
The report continues, “Staff believes it is important to utilize the effort many put into the process of establishing cannabis regulations within the City boundary and build upon the decisions of the Commercial Cannabis Ad Hoc Committee, the Planning Commission and City Council. This process designated land in three areas of the City that would allow for various commercial cannabis businesses. It is therefore reasonable to determine that properties near these existing zones, but outside of the City, are appropriate for commercial cannabis activity with any necessary permit conditions.”
The council also will hold the first reading of an ordinance relating to electric and electronic access gates.
Police Chief Andrew White’s report for the discussion explained that the council adopted an ordinance in February 2019 requiring gates to multi-unit residential buildings and areas to be constructed and maintained in accordance with plans approved by the city that incorporate the electronic systems allowing rapid access by first responders.
“Following a suggestion during public comment, the City Council requested staff return with an ordinance to extend the ordinance to cover commercial properties,” he wrote. “The proposed ordinance incorporates commercial properties and provides one year for existing gates to come into compliance. The cost to retrofit an existing gate is approximately $1,500.”
In other business, council members will consider appointing representatives to represent and vote on behalf of the city at the League of California Cities, Redwood Empire Division business meetings and represent the city and vote at the division legislative committee meetings, and consider the mayor’s appointments for 2020.
On the meeting's consent agenda – items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote – are warrant registers; continuation of a local emergency issued on Oct. 9, 2017, and ratified by council action on Oct. 12, 2017; consideration of a change to the annual calendar of meetings for 2020; adoption of Resolution No. 2020-01 to declare surplus property; consideration of Resolution No. 2020-02 to change the Clearlake Planning Commission days; approval of the Fair Political Practices Form 806 reporting public official appointments.
After the public portion of the meeting, the council is scheduled for a closed session with legal counsel to discuss an existing case of litigation against Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
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010920 Clearlake City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd