After a 15-minute discussion at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, the city council took no action on the issue, effectively killing a citizen’s query about permitting commercial grow operations at the Industrial Park.
West Montezuma Avenue resident Chris Wolfe initially suggested the proposal last month. On Tuesday, he argued that grow operations at the industrial park could possibly quell complaints about odors that emit from commercial grow operations.
“It’s an alternative to setting up grow operations in the city’s central business district,” said Wolfe.
Current zoning requirements allow marijuana businesses only within the city’s central business district and commercial highways.
Mayor Karen Sheek said Wolfe raised a valid argument, but added the city had already spent countless hours developing its current marijuana regulations.
“Going back to the drawing board would be counterproductive,” said Sheek. “Let’s keep it the way it is.”
Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane also pointed out that additional patrols would be required at the industrial park.
“It would take more from us,” he said.
In a 5-2 decision, a municipal ordinance to regulate cannabis sales at the retail level was adopted in Cortez on Aug. 25. On Oct. 1, a state law requiring ganjapreneurs to grow 70 percent of what they sold expired.
In other news, the council met behind closed doors for more than a half-hour Tuesday to discuss the potential sale of a vacant office building owned by the city. The property is at 25306 Road L at the industrial park.
Council member Bob Archibeque made the motion to go into executive session, which was seconded by council member Jim Price. It was unanimously agreed to meet in private.
No public explanation, discussion or action was taken after the private meeting. Moments after the council meeting adjourned, City Manager Shane Hale retired to his office with a local real estate agent.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com