Council Special Meeting

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING CITY OF MONTEREY Wednesday, February 24, 2021 4:00 PM MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Present: Albert, Haffa, Smith, Williamson, Roberson Absent: None City Staff City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Assistant City Present: Attorney, City Clerk, Community Development Director, Senior Associate Planner, Police Chief, Police Lieutenant, Police Sergeant, Finance Director, Assistant Finance Director, Senior Accountant, Public Works Director, Deputy Human Resources Manager, Property Manager, Parks and Recreation Director Pursuant to Section 3 of Executive Order N-29-20, issued by Governor Newsom on March 17, 2020, this meeting was conducted with telephonic/video participation only by all parties. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Roberson called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira explained to the public how to participate in the virtual meeting and make public comment. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Roberson led the Pledge. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 1. Receive Update on Community Feedback and Approve the City of Monterey Continuing to Stage 2 of the Commercial Cannabis Roadmap (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved the City of Monterey continuing to Stage 2 of the Commercial Cannabis Roadmap (4-1, Councilmember Smith voting no) The staff presentation was given collaboratively by: City Manager Uslar; Finance Director Lai; Mark Lovelace, consultant with HdL Companies; Police Chief Hober; and Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira. Together they answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment on the matter was received from: Kathie Buaya, who encouraged openmindedness on the subject, and visually (via staff) shared ideas for cannabis business models; Esther Malkin and Rick Heuer, who both spoke in favor of the recent outreach and current process, and against an advisory vote; Jhonrico Carr, who spoke about the necessity for social equity; Inge Lauritzen Daumer, who commented favorably about the City's public outreach; Jean Rasch, who cautioned the Council not to interpret neighborhood associations' openmindedness as support; Fernando Alvarez, who offered to assist the City on the subject of cannabis events licensing; Nina Beety, who spoke against commercial cannabis in Monterey, citing negative health impacts; Tom Rowley, who expressed caution and said that if the City moves forward it should start small; and Jules Weisser, who spoke in favor of commercial cannabis in Monterey and encouraged education about safe cannabis use. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Haffa, and seconded by Councilmember Albert, to approve the City of Monterey’s continuing to Stage 2 of the Commercial Cannabis Roadmap. City Council Minutes February 24, 2021 The Council discussed the matter and the motion. It was requested to receive information from staff about the impacts of cannabis legalization in Colorado, and the impacts on youth. It was stated that the location for any cannabis business would need to be out of “family” areas. The need to diversify the City’s revenue sources was stressed. It was stated that Council would want to review the RFPs for proposed businesses if the City moves forward with commercial cannabis. In opposition to the motion, it was stated that the Council needs to focus on the values and vision that its members have for the community. Adverse health impacts, federal restrictions, and limited City resources were cited in opposing the City moving forward on the matter. The Council was encouraged to look past the potential money and focus on values. It was commented by Council that the City benefits from alcohol and tobacco businesses, that negative effects of alcohol and tobacco are well known, and that these substances can all be used safely and in moderation. It was stated that any negative impacts on the City are already present based on neighboring jurisdictions having allowed cannabis businesses, and that the money that could come to the City from these businesses would benefit children and the community. The motion was carried by the following vote, which was conducted by roll call: AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Albert, Haffa, Williamson, Roberson NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Smith ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) RECUSED: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) ADJOURNMENT The Council adjourned at 6:16 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Clementine Bonner Klein Clyde Roberson City Clerk Mayor 2