Planning Commission Meeting

MINUTES Planning Commission Regular Meeting Council Chambers, 380 Civic Drive, Galt, California Thursday, April 13 2017 6:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Morris. Commissioners present: Cannell, Daley, Vice Chair McFadden and Chair Morris. Absent; Sandhu Staff members present: Interim City Attorney Kimberly Hood, Community Development Director Chris Erias, Police Chief Tod Sockman and PC Secretary Tia Klumpp. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None INFORMATION/CONSENT CALENDAR 4. SUBJECT: Minutes of the March 9, 2017 Regular Meeting. ACTION: Commissioner Daley moved to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2017, Regular Meeting. Motion passed unanimously. Absent: Sandhu. PUBLIC MEETING: 5. None PUBLIC HEARING 6. SUBJECT: Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Galt Municipal Code (GMC) Section 18.58 – Cannabis (Marijuana) Cultivation. AGENDA REPORT: Erias RECOMMENDED ACTION: Recommend to the City Council the adoption of an ordinance amending Section 18.58 of the Galt Municipal Code (GMC), regarding the cultivation of cannabis (marijuana), to comply with Proposition 64. Erias gave presentation on the proposed Cannabis (Marijuana) Cultivation policy within the city limits. Including statistics from surrounding communities; Lodi, Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova. Proposed a policy to allow grows in no larger than 25 gallon containers in backyards. The accessory structures must meet setbacks as required in the Galt Municipal Code. Grows cannot be visible from public right of way. Indoor cultivation would also be held to standards; lighting to not exceed 1,200 watts. Renters would need to have landlord permission for any plans to grow. Cannell asked if there is a permit process to track if the renter has the permission by landlord to grow. Per Erias, no permit process at this time; we wouldn’t know if they have permission, this will be complaint based and addressed by code enforcement. Morris asked Chief Sockman what a fine would be for non-compliance with the requirements and Chief replied with the penalties for growing more than six plants is a $500 fine. It is also a City of Galt Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 2 Regular Meeting of April 13, 2017 misdemeanor. Majority concerned with possibility of increase in criminal activity, fire, public nuisance, smell, etc. Chief Sockman addressed this as also concerns for the police department. There will be some issues and not sure yet how it will be handled. The ordinance will help establish policy and come up with the best direction to enforce. PUBLIC COMMENTS – The Secretary announced that members of the audience could address Commissioners on any matter which was not on the agenda but within the subject matter jurisdiction. She advised the location of the speaker sheets, asked that speaker sheets be presented to the Secretary prior to addressing Commissioners and advised that each person would have a three-minute time limit to speak. Adam Gallaty and Randy Kirchof both spoke in favor of the ordinance and thanked the city staff and planning commission for taking a softer approach and considering the proposed grow policy. Greg Davidson commended the city; thanking the chief for spearing this and meeting with members of the community. He noted that he has researched 18 communities and this is one of the best solutions he has seen. ACTION: Commissioner Daley moved to recommend the policy to the City Council. Vice Chair McFaddin second the motion, motion passed unanimously. Absent: Sandhu 7. COMMENTS BY STAFF/DIRECTORS REPORT Staff Erias updated Commissioners about ongoing projects. 8. COMMENTS BY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None 9. ADJOURN Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. MEETING MINUTES CAN BE HEARD IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REQUESTING A COPY OF THE AUDIO RECORDING FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY. Respectfully submitted by Tia Klumpp, Planning Commission Secretary /S/ _____________________________________ Tia Klumpp, Planning Commission Secretary