City Commission Workshop Meeting

APPROVED: 10/16/2014 City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis , FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes - Final* City Commission Workshop Thursday, October 2, 2014 5:00PM City Hall CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Bob ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 5 - Linda Bob; Albert Eckian; Michael Holland ; Karen LeHeup-Smith ; and Kress Muenzmay I. Workshop Item 14230 Workshop on Medical Marijuana Statute and Proposed Constitutional Amendment Derek Schroth, City Attorney, explained the state statute enacted in 2014 (Charlotte's Web) and medical benefits of the low THC cannabis. He commented on the restrictions contained in the statute with only five approved locations one of which has a Eustis address but is located outside City limits. He then explained the proposed Constitutional Amendment #2 and the differences between the statute and the proposed amendment with much less restrictions and more medical conditions for which the medical marijuana can be prescribed. He commented on the concerns regarding the lack of restriction on the caregivers. He explained the options available to the Commission and what would be required to adopt regulations. He explained his recommendation to enact a moratorium that would be effective the day the amendment passes, if it passes, which would provide the Commission with time to enact the necessary regulations. II. Commission Discussion The Commission questioned when the amendment would go into effect if it passed with Mr. Schroth responding that there is not an effective date included in the amendment and it may be something that would have to be litigated. The Commission questioned what form the product would be sold in if the amendment passes with Mr. Schroth explaining that the amendment does not stipulate the form and would also apply to all marijuana and not just the low- THC. The Commission questioned what would happen to the existing statute if the amendment fails with Mr. Schroth further explaining that the original statute would still be in effect. The Commission discussed the possible medical benefits, the other states that already permit the sale of medical marijuana and patterning any regulations after another state that has already been successful, the need for regulatory oversight, and the probable need to wait until the Department of Health establishes regulations which the City could then adopt. It was confirmed that, if the City enacted a moratorium, they would not have to wait until the end of that period to take action on adopting regulations. III. Public Input James Rotella, 217 E. Badger Ave., expressed support for the Charlotte's Web statute and opposition to Amendment #2. He also expressed support for enacting a moratorium. Fred Cobb, Police Chief, commented on the Florida Police Chief's Association opposition to the amendment. He noted previous state problems with regulating pill mills. He expressed support for enacting a moratorium until the state develops regulations. City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 1018/2014 City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes - Final October 2, 2014 The Commission commented on the State Board of Pharmacy's involvement in prescription drug procedures and how that may affect any regulations. IV. Commission Direction The Commission confirmed that a moratorium could be lifted prior to the end of the period and the probable length of time for a moratorium. Dianne Kramer, Acting City Manager clarified that first reading would occur at the October 16th Commission meeting with second reading planned for November 6th. CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission for Mr. Schroth to bring back an ordinance to enact a nine-month moratorium. V. Adjournment- 5:21 p.m. Mayor/Commissioner *These m inutes reflect the actions taken and portions of the discussion during the meeting. To review the entire discussion concerning any agenda item, go to www.eustis.org and click on the video for the meeting in question A DVD of the entire meeting or CD of the entire audio recording or verbatim transcript of the meeting can be obtained from the office of the City Clerk for a fee. City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 101812014