City Council

From: Kathleen Piper To: Ann Swenson Subject: Liberty Lake Marijuana Facility Date: Sunday, April 16, 2017 8:10:26 PM Hello, my name is Kathleen Piper I am a resident of Liberty Lake. I would like to have on record my views regarding the Marijuana Facility that has been approved for construction in the city limits of Liberty Lake. We live in a rare, beautiful, clean, serene and peaceful community that is hard to find in these dark times in our world. I feel safe here. I look around and see a strong family orientated place where people take pride in keeping our surroundings clean and safe. Liberty Lake is a city where citizens have chose to retire in. We have Lakes, and golf courses that bring in good people that have respect for our community. In my opinion if we allow this Drug facility in our community it will diminish what we have. Stone Hill is the new housing development that is being built right across the street. How many people do you figure will actually want to live that close to a recreational store that will sell cannabis, cannabis edibles, and paraphernalia.? This will only lower the property value of their homes. I live in the Broadwing apartments that are lower income based. There are a lot of good people that live here, however I have seen several with drug problems and in my opinion by allowing this facility into our community it will only enhance the problem with drugs. While some may disagree, Marijuana is a gateway drug. I have seen this first hand with in my own family and how it destroys people and their lives. This facility would be built right by the Liberty Lake trail, as well as being so close to the State line of Idaho where this Drug is Illegal. It will attract a lot of what we do not want in our City. Also to consider how many big business we have here such as Hunt Wood etc. Just imagine those who partake of this drug going to purchase it on their lunch brakes, smoking it and returning back to their place of employment. Another issue I foresee is adults purchasing this drug for underage children in our community. Being by the Liberty Lake trail it would be so easy for drug deals to be made. This is not a good situation and will only escalate over the years and ruin all that is here. Please Keep Our City Clean by not allowing this Drug facility to be brought into our wonderful, peaceful, beautiful community. I thank you for your time in this matter. Sincerely, Kathleen Piper From: Richard Christiansen To: Ann Swenson Cc: Odin Langford Subject: City Moratorium on marijuana issue Date: Monday, April 17, 2017 1:47:14 PM TO: Liberty Lake City Council RE: City Moratorium regarding marijuana retailing licenses, etc. Please make this a part of the public record relative to the following subject matter: “City moratorium on the acceptance of applications of or processing of applications, or issuance of permits or licenses, and approvals, and uses or activities associated with the producing, processing or retailing of marijuana and marijuana-infused products”. By way of introduction, we moved to Liberty Lake in 2000. Our decision to come to this beautiful community was based on a number of reasons. Anyone that has lived here for any time would recognize the beauty of the area, the family oriented nature of the activities and the wholesome and safe atmosphere that we immediately recognized. The past years we’ve been aware of the growth and although some increase in traffic, our city has bloomed and grown and we appreciate the fact that we still love loving here. A few years ago we moved outside the city limits, however we are not limited to the influence of the benefits, services, and activities, and appreciate all the city does to continue in the support of safe and secure family oriented activities and programs. We love Liberty Lake. The past 30 months, we have been volunteer group leaders in the Addiction Recovery Program, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a free program offering help and support for not only those suffering with addictions but also in the support of Spouses and Families who have loved ones ensnared in addiction. We have throughout this time seen the growth of the Marijuana industry in our area, as we travel Sprague and Trent. We hear the stories from our participants – although we protect their confidentiality and anonymity – we know the struggles they are facing with marijuana use as it has spread and legality has made the use and purchase easily accessible. The issue here is not the legality – that was already voted on by the voice of the people of the State of Washington – and the point is mute as to whether or not we agree with the outcome of that vote. The harsh reality is this: There is suffering beyond the first glance of this being a no-harm no-foul substance. In meeting weekly with families who are touched by marijuana use – the very sight of that green cross – brings instant “triggers” – (a common phrase in the world of addiction). A trigger is something that can be a visual representation that may encourage the use of a product or substance to those that “use”. Or in the case of a family member suffering because of the addiction of their loved one – that “trigger” then becomes a painful reminder of the very product or substance that has caused so much emotional, physical and financial misery to them personally, their families, and extended family and friends. Until someone is touch by the “ugly” side of addiction – and no matter who reads what study – our personal experiences in working in this program has shown us plenty of evidence of the “ugly” side of marijuana use; namely: Addiction, Depression, Attempted and Contemplated Suicide being the most prevalent. Without disclosing the who and what in our specific community we can easily say this is going on now in our area. These are everyday folks – not the “stereo-typical druggies” that one might think of that are considered “street people”. These folks are everyday business folks, trying to live their lives with all outward appearances of being ok, when in reality their inner struggles with addiction are making their lives a living hell. Their families are suffering and struggling. The addiction is real and so is the suffering. The good news from our perspective on addiction is that just as addiction is real so is recovery. Prevention should, however be a major consideration. Acquiescence or tacit approval of even legal drugs and their influence on the community should be looked at in a true perspective. We simply don’t need another visual representation of that suffering lining the streets of our community. The question must be asked – do we really want or do we need any Pot Shops, grow farms or the like in our area? Who – in reality is going to “PROFIT” from allowing these marijuana retailers or growers to inhabit our landscape? Is it that important to the city coffers be filled with additional revenue at the cost of the families in our community? Does it matter if currently it’s going to be on the “outskirts” of town? The answer is simple: It does matter absolutely…no matter where it is located. For those of us who have direct ties to the world of addiction – either through the eyes of our own family members or through the eyes of those who are working to find hope and healing and recovery from addiction – we need to view these “retailing” operations through the lens of addiction rather than through the lens of financial gain or the freedom of the issue of legality. It’s time for our city – yes even though we don’t live “in the city” – to take the moral stand against this invasion of what will cause more harm, pain and suffering to the members of this community. We’ve chosen to live here for a reason. We love seeing our children, grandchildren freely playing in the parks, and we appreciate their safety and security. Please promote the continued good wholesome atmosphere that has been here since before the formal establishment of this city. Please take the courageous stand that other cities throughout this great state and say simply say no to the retail selling or production of Marijuana! We respectfully request that all further requests for any marijuana retailing, production or anything related to the use or production of marijuana permanently be halted, and every effort possible made to prohibit the establishment of the current “approved” retail “store”. Respectfully submitted, Richard and Elaine Christiansen 30 South Overlook Road Liberty Lake, WA 99019 509-979-6267 From: Tansy Leonardson To: Ann Swenson Subject: Marijuana Dispensary Date: Saturday, April 15, 2017 3:22:33 PM Hello Miss Swenson, Please add this email to the public record. My family and I have been residents of Liberty Lake for 4 years. We love this community and it's family-friendly, safe atmosphere. It's a place we want to stay and raise our family. I am concerned that a marijuana dispensary has been approved to be built on Appleway. Despite marijuana's legalization, it is still a dangerous drug. It has been linked to brain abnormalities, sterility, birth defects, and cancer. Moreover, it seems to be a gateway to other drugs. Of those who used marijuana before age 15, 62% went on to try cocaine, 9% tried heroine, and 54% abused prescription medication. Putting easy access to marijuana across the street from residential housing/apartments and less than two miles from an elementary school is inviting young children to experiment with this dangerous substance. Marijuana also impairs judgement. The US Drug Enforcement Agency states 40% of males arrested for crimes nationwide test positive for marijuana. Marijuana is second only to alcohol as the most frequent substance found in drivers' bodies in fatal car crashes. Marijuana increases the risk of vehicular crashes by 92% and fatal crashes 110%. This could lead to increased crime in our community as well as increased danger from impaired drivers. Please keep Liberty Lake the safe, family-friendly place we love. At the least reinstate the moratorium on marijuana businesses, and if possible completly prohibit them. Many communities in Washington have already done so. http://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Legal/Regulation/Marijuana-Regulation-in- Washington-State.aspx#local-zoning-approaches Thank you for your time. Tansy Leonardson 801-471-5393 From: Tanya Smith To: Ann Swenson Subject: Marijuana moratorium Date: Friday, April 14, 2017 5:13:01 PM I am in favor of extending the City’s moratorium on the acceptance of applications of or processing of applications, or issuance of permits or licenses, and approvals, and uses or activities associated with the producing, processing or retailing of marijuana and marijuana-infused products. Please add my statement to the public record. From: Baker Staci To: Ann Swenson Subject: Marijuana moratorium Date: Saturday, April 15, 2017 3:09:51 PM Hello, I will be unable to attend the city council meeting about extending the moratorium on the retail and production of marijuana in Liberty Lake, but can you please add my name and my husband's name to the record that we want to extend that moratorium so that we keep our community safe and clean. Thank you, Staci and Drostan Baker 23208 E Colony Ct From: Vanessa Anderson To: Ann Swenson Subject: marijuana retail store Date: Monday, April 17, 2017 4:30:01 PM Please make this a part of the public record relative to the following subject matter: “City moratorium on the acceptance of applications of or processing of applications, or issuance of permits or licenses, and approvals, and uses or activities associated with the producing, processing or retailing of marijuana and marijuana-infused products”. We moved to liberty lake 18months ago to raise our children in a beautiful community. we came here from the city of spokane and we love it here. The community, the parks, the schools and the people are amazing. Couldn't ask for a better place to raise our family. Please put a moratorium on marijuana retail stores in liberty lake! We respectfully request that all further requests for any marijuana retailing, production or anything related to the use or production of marijuana permanently be halted, and every effort possible made to prohibit the establishment of the current “approved” retail “store”.    There are PLENTY of marijuana stores in the surrounding areas of liberty lake and so Please take the courageous stand that other cities throughout this great state and say simply say no to the retail selling or production of Marijuana! Thank you Jason and Vanessa Anderson 23905 east 1st ave liberty lake, WA From: Kayla-Marie Rubin To: Ann Swenson Subject: Marijuana Shop Date: Monday, April 17, 2017 2:56:30 PM Hi, Please add to Public Record that I feel that Liberty Lake DOES NOT NEED a marijuana shop. Please keep Liberty Lake the family friendly city that it is. People have other options for this if they would like only 10-15mins away. The city of Liberty Lake needs to remain a safe place for families. Do not ruin this beautiful city with a marijuana shop and all that it could bring to this small city. Thank you, Kayla Rubin Sent from my iPhone From: ryanhoseid To: Ann Swenson Subject: On record re: Marijuana business Date: Friday, April 14, 2017 9:13:00 PM I just want to go on record and state I am 100% opposed to any Marijuana businesses coming to Liberty Lake. Especially this recently proposed business from the Seattle area. I work for the courts and in behavioral health and have seen first hand how Marijuana negatively affects our citizens. There are no long term studies on how these businesses will affect communities and I don't want to jeopardize our amazing community especially with an out of town company with no interest in persevering our way of life only wanting to profit especially with the state line near us. Please don't allow these businesses in our family oriented community. Regards Ryan Hoseid Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone From: Shaun Brown To: Ann Swenson Subject: Please add this to the public record - request for a permanent ban on Marijuana and Marijuana parephenalia shops. Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017 9:59:30 PM To the Mayor and City Council, I wanted to let you know that I am hoping you will consider again a permanent ban on Marijuana establishments within the city limits. I have lived in this beautiful community for over 20 years and watched it grow and bloom into the thriving, family friendly city it is today. I know that there are certain influences that can tear down the positive, healthy, beautiful community we call home. If we allow a Marijuana facility to be built on Appleway, it will attract a clientele that is more likely to break the law. We don’t want to invite that into our community. Please revisit the possibility of instituting a permanent ban. The fear of retribution through legal action should not prevent our local government from doing what is right for our community. Thank you for your service to Liberty Lake. Shaun Brown 20 North Idaho Road Liberty Lake, WA. 99019 From: Stephanie Bregher To: Ann Swenson Subject: Request for a permanent ban on Marijuana and Marijuana paraphernalia shops Date: Monday, April 17, 2017 2:28:09 PM Hello Ann, While I do not technically live in Liberty Lake, I still want to voice my concern, because I do work, play, shop and visit with friends who live in Liberty Lake. Liberty Lake is an exceptional community, and I believe that’s due in part to the elected officials who have been so diligent in doing what’s right to uphold the core values Liberty Lake stands for. I just can’t see how allowing a Marijuana shop to open up in Liberty Lake, could be considered good governance. I hope the city leaders are not putting the possibility of generating tax revenue ahead of their Liberty Lake constituents and corporate citizens. Not all business is good business. And some risks just aren’t worth taking. A Marijuana shop is not a good fit for Liberty Lake, and neither is the potential crime that could come with it. Please do the right thing, and put a permanent ban on Marijuana and Marijuana paraphernalia shops. Respectfully, Stephanie Bregher 23314 E. Euclid Ave. Otis Orchards, WA 99027