City of Byron Administrative Committee met Nov. 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Alderman Christy Hanlin, Alderman Dan Reilly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alderman Todd Isaacs
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, Alderman Emily Gerdes, City Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl, Economic Development Director Larry Hewitt, Police Chief Todd Murray, City Clerk Caryn Huber
1. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
2. RECREATIONAL CANNABIS LAWS IN ILLINOIS – Alderman Hanlin has called this meeting in order to gather information regarding the new cannabis laws. Chief Murray said that some of the legislation is bad, and new bills will be coming out to fix old bills. They expect many changes. Attorney Krahenbuhl drafted two ordinances that included everything earlier in the year. They are in Dropbox. Alderman Gerdes reported that at IML they talked about how there are many different parts in the legislation. There are transporters, craft growers, craft infusers, city zoning issues and more. Attorney Krahenbuhl said the ordinances he drafted included business establishment facilities, adult use cannabis facilities, cultivation centers, dispensaries, infusers, processing and transporting. He included everything so the Council could see what the options are, and decide if there are any they wanted removed from the ordinance. Alderman Gerdes said the attorneys at IML advised communities to stay pro-active – to include everything in the ordinance and issue special use permits and tailor the ordinance to the specific situation. Given the laws regarding location, there are few locations in Byron for businesses to choose. The county would be more likely to be affected with farmland (to be purchased for building). Director Hewitt added that any zoning change being considered by the county, which is within one and a half miles of city limits, has to be approved by the city council also. Kaiser Drive is the only location right now that council can identify as a possible site based on the current laws. Alderman Gerdes suggested having a generic ordinance in place. Alderman Reilly does not see any benefit in allowing cannabis businesses in Byron. Alderman Gerdes asked if residents have to get any type of permit to grow their own cannabis with a medical card. Chief Murray said there are medical privacy issues that come into consideration. Alderman Gerdes asked if the Police Departments and city employees are zero tolerance. Currently they are, but Chief Murray said that could be challenged. Attorney Krahenbuhl suggested we get consensus from council if they would allow these businesses. They can also decide to ban them all together. Or they could take a middle ground and wait and see what happens. If there is a request that the council feels comfortable with, an ordinance can be drafted at that time. Alderman Hanlin would like to wait since there is so much information and so much uncertainty. Alderman Reilly asked if we should hold a public hearing. Chief Murray was doubtful companies would put up the amount of money necessary to open a dispensary. Director Hewitt added that all of the licenses available in Illinois (75 new licenses) have been applied for and there is a long waiting list. Attorney Krahenbuhl said that by legalizing cannabis, they have some quality control. The costs are higher, however, and some people continue to obtain cannabis illegally. Mayor Rickard added that the legalization has not been the financial windfall that some communities were expecting. Chief Murray said any cannabis being transported has to be in a sealed container. Since dispensaries deal only in cash, and it cannot be deposited into a bank, Alderman Reilly asked how taxes can be collected on it. There is legislation pending. Chief Murray said they have to account for what is brought in and what has sold. Attorney Krahenbuhl said that all merchandise will be in sealed containers. Chief Murray said there currently is no legal limit on cannabis like there is on alcohol. Alderman Hanlin suggested carrying over the conversation to committee.
3. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Section)(c)(1)-Personnel - No Executive Session.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Section)(c)(21)-Review and Approval of Closed Meeting Minutes - No Executive Session.
5. ADJOURN – Meeting was adjourned by Alderman Hanlin at 5:56 p.m.
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