Holmes Beach commissioners have determined that enacting rules for marijuana use and distribution is premature.
A medical marijuana amendment, up for a statewide vote Nov. 8, could cause problems for the city, if passed. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer encouraged commissioners to consider enacting legislation during the Oct. 25 workshop.
But commissioners rejected his idea.
“I want to wait for the state legislation and see what happens,” Commissioner Marvin Grossman said.
“I haven’t thought that much about it but I can’t see where we need it out here,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said.
Tokajer argued that if the state legislation is passed, the city will need an ordinance governing or banning grow houses and dispensaries.
The ballot initiative would allow marijuana to be smoked by individuals with specified diseases or conditions as approved by a physician. People with a medical marijuana card or prescription also could grow up to three marijuana plants on their property.
The current state legislation allows non-smoked, low-THC marijuana to be prescribed for certain medical conditions under the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014.
“I think we should just say ‘no,’” Tokajer said.
Commissioner Pat Morton and Mayor Bob Johnson agreed it would be better to be proactive.
“I see no advantage to waiting,” Johnson said. “I have no problem with saying ‘no’ to grow houses.”
Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said enacting an ordinance is premature, but she would welcome a draft ordinance.
“We can’t get an ordinance together before the election,” Commissioner Jean Peelen pointed out.
Peelen said she’s not sure where she stands on the issue.
Commissioners decided to postpone their discussion of a medical marijuana ordinance until after the election.
Also under consideration is a draft ordinance to ban the commercial sale of pets, primarily dogs, cats and rabbits.
The ban would not apply to adoptions.
“It’s just a bad, bad business that we shouldn’t have in Manatee County,” Peelen said.
With a similar ban that will be effective Jan. 15, 2017, in Sarasota County, Peelen fears pet sales may increase in Manatee County.
Soustek said adding the city’s voice to the 45 municipalities in the state that have enacted bans might get some attention from the county.
The county commission defeated an ordinance in 2015 that would have enacted similar legislation countywide.
“It gives it a little more clout and it’s for a good cause,” Soustek said.
“I’m for it,” Grossman said.
A third consideration for commissioners is a request from Tokajer to install boat-lift covers at the municipal dock at 63rd Street.
Construction at the city-owned boat ramp of a dock and boat lifts for West Manatee Fire Rescue and the HBPD concluded the week of Oct. 17.
The agencies will each house a boat at the ramp for easy launches in the event of emergencies.
Morton suggested granting Tokajer’s request to install canopies over the two lifts.
Commissioners in August abandoned discussion of lifting a prohibition on boat canopies or boathouses at residential properties.
Titsworth, during an Oct. 25 meeting, suggested the ban on boat canopies may not extend to public property.
City attorney Patricia Petruff agreed to research the issue and provide a recommendation before the next commission meeting.
Commissioners will next meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
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Full Article: Holmes Beach Holds On Medical Marijuana Legislation
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