The Mancos Town Board voted Wednesday, March 11, to allow a second retail marijuana shop to open in Mancos.
The Bud Farm, which currently operates as a medical marijuana shop, earned the go-ahead by the board to also operate as a retail marijuana shop with a 3-1 vote in favor. Trustees Matthew Baskin and Todd Kearns were absent.
Only trustee Michele Black voted against the retail license.
"It's not anything personal, I'm just voting 'no' to give those that disagree a voice," she said. "Because not everyone agrees (with legalized marijuana)."
The first retail marijuana shop opened in Mancos in December 2014.
Board members approved the second retail shop, pending final approval from the state.
Jim Cody, owner of The Bud Farm, said it will be a few weeks before the shop is ready for business.
Board members also approved a new flooring option for the Mancos Community Center.
After debating vinyl flooring, laminate flooring and hard wood floors, the board voted 4-0 for the laminate floor and the high-traffic carpet.
However, trustee Queenie Barz was concerned that the laminate floor may show water damage.
Hardwood floors were ruled out because of a concrete sub floor.
"Let's get the floor fixed," said trustee James Maestas.
Board members also voted to de-criminalize land-use code violations.
The change in the land-use code required a public hearing, no one spoke at the public hearing.
"This turns every infraction into a civil infraction, rather than a criminal one," said Mayor Rachael Simbeck. "I think it will be better and go a little bit smoother."
Christie Williams told the board that she was willing to offer free weekly mental health clinics in town.
"The mental health system is so hard to access," Williams said. "Our county has the highest rate of suicide, and Colorado also has one of the highest rates as a country."
Williams, a licensed social worker, said she hopes that providing a place for people to talk with her once a week will help others.
"I'm not sure what the needs will be," Williams said. "It's somewhere people can come when they are having a hard time."
The board agreed to allow Williams to offer the service, likely in the community center.
"It may be slow at first, but don't give up," Barz said.
She will likely start offering the service in mid-April, on Mondays or Fridays.
Board members also gave the go-ahead for a company to come in and inspect the town's water lines for leaks at a cost not to exceed $7,500.