At the regularly scheduled Fayette Board of Aldermen (BoA) meeting on May 7th, 2019, medical cannabis once again dominated the agenda. Below I will catalog the relevant agenda items and action taken.
Agenda item: “Discussion and/or approval of support for proposal made by Eric McSwain regarding the cannabis industry”
Action taken: BoA unanimously approved a resolution clearly indicating that “…the policy of the City shall be to encourage the development of medical marijuana facilities within this City provided that such development is properly regulated and carried out in a manner which benefits, our citizens but does not undermine our quality of life or property values.” (full Resolution)
Agenda item: “Bill No. 2019-06: Final reading of an ordinance of the City of Fayette amending the City code by adopting one new chapter regarding medical marijuana”
Action taken: BoA unanimously approved this ordinance with a slight modification mandating that a dispensary shall be closed to patients between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am.
Agenda item: “Bill No. 2019-17: Final reading of an ordinance of the City of Fayette amending chapter 210, by repealing section 210.960 and enacting in lieu thereof four new sections regarding and repealing section 342.020 and enacting in lieu thereof one new section, all regarding marijuana and medical marijuana”
Action taken: BoA unanimously approved these ordinances as written.
Further, Counsel for the City of Fayette rightly commented that the regulations surrounding medical marijuana in Missouri will evolve over time. While the process for building a road is well established, the regulations surrounding this topic is certainly not.
Apart from the remaining topic of zoning and permitted use, the City of Fayette is well on its way to thoughtfully setting the stage for bringing this new industry to our town. I’m impressed with the knowledge of the City’s Counsel and impressed that our Board of Aldermen are able and willing to meet this topic head on.