HomeMy WebLinkAbout032714 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 27, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend Planning Commission met in regular session on March 27,
2014, in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Chair Monica Mick-Hager
called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present at roll call were Monica Mick-Hager, Douglas Frick,
Jack Range, Nan Evans, Gee Heckscher, and Dwight Nicholson with Kirit
Bhansali absent.
Staff members present were Community Services Director Rick Sepler, Senior
Planner John McDonagh, and Deputy City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
There were no changes.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NONE
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT (FOR ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA - LIMITED TO
5 MINUTES PER PERSON. PLEASE BEGIN BY STATING YOUR NAME AND
ADDRESS. COMMENTS MADE DURING THIS TIME WILL NOT BE PART OF
THE HEARING RECORD)
There was no public comment.
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
OLD BUSINESS
Public Hearing - Amendments to Title 17 PTMC (Proposed Code
Amendments Regarding Medical and Recreational 1-502 Marijuana)
Commissioner Mick-Hager read the script for the public hearing. Planning
Commissioners had no financial or property interests to disclose.
The staff presentation was given by Senior Planner John McDonagh on the
proposed Port Townsend Municipal Code amendments on medical
marijuana and recreational 1-502 marijuana. He reviewed materials provided
(cover memo and Attachments A-E, including Attachment C which is a
Planning Commission Meeting March 27, 2014 Page 1 of 3
composite marijuana map). Also distributed at the meeting were separate
maps addressing specifically recreational and medical marijuana. He then
began a detailed review of the Code Amendment Summary beginning with
an explanation of non-commercial and commercial collective garden. He also
reviewed the recreational and medical marijuana maps that were distributed
this evening. He then reviewed the concept behind locating 1-502 production
and processing and retailing. A set of maps was distributed related to mixed
light manufacturing and commercial (M/C) zones. Staffs recommendation
was that the Planning Commission take public testimony and then continue
its deliberations and make a final vote and decision on the code
amendments at a second meeting in April.
Public Comment:
Paul Richmond, as a legal representative of medical marijuana patients,
spoke of his concerns of the previous lumping together of medical and
collective gardens. He is eager to more closely review the proposed
amendments.
Grayson Hook, operator of the Alternative Clinic in Port Townsend, spoke in
favor of efforts to move forward on these regulations. He had questions
about households that might contain two medical marijuana patients and how
collective garden quantities would be measured. He urged protection of
registrations and expressed concern about enforcement against those
individuals unfamiliar with regulations. He noted that Co2 processing would
only be able to be used by large producers.
Staff provided additional clarification about the issues before the
Commission. Mr. McDonagh continued with a response to questions.
Forrest Thompson operator of Herbal Access spoke about his interest in
these regulations and offered to answer questions.
Jim Todd spoke about his confusion over how these regulations might impact
the development of Parkside Park.
Staff responded to questions regarding the development of Parkside Park.
The Park could continue to be developed, but there would be a 1,000 foot
buffer around it once it is designated a park. Regarding collective garden
questions, Staff agreed to collect information on the protection
of registrations. Although the registrant/property owner would be public
information, the City would likely not be required to release the names
of collective garden members.
Commission questions were as follows. There was some confusion about
Co2 processing and the allowance in noncommercial areas. There was some
concern about the 300-foot buffer in residential areas and a need to clarify
what is the definition of trips under the number of vehicles allowed in
residential areas (one way versus round trip). In response to a question
Planning Commission Meeting March 27, 2014 Page 2 of 3
about the definition of"rigid structures," Mr. McDonagh explained this is
defined. There were also questions/clarification about products collective
gardens may possess. It was noted that each tax parcel would be required to
comply with state law, which was believed to be 45 plants (or 4-1/2 pounds).
It was noted that collective gardens are not to be confused with retail
production and processing.
There was a request for Staff to again clarify areas of City discretion that are
addressed by the recommendations. Mr. Sepler reviewed the
following: under 1-502, the City decides to allow or disallow stores. Under the
medical marijuana law, nothing would preempt individuals from meeting their
own needs. The City's zoning code on collective gardens is currently silent
(uses prohibited), but the City might put reasonable zoning constraints and
ensure uses are compatible. Mr. McDonagh reviewed the 1-502 rules
provided by the state (1,000 foot buffers, fencing, and administration of
the license from seed to sale).
Staff summarized and noted the hearing is continued until April 24. Staff will
review all questions and collect additional information for the next meeting.
Additional public comments were taken as follows: Paul Richmond on
commercial zoning and Grayson Hook about ensuring patient privacy.
OTHER BUSINESS - NONE
UPCOMING MEETINGS (SEE CALENDAR ON BACK OF AGENDA)
Mr. Sepler reviewed the planned agenda for April 10 and noted there would be
a continued public hearing on April 24.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Attest:
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Planning Commission it
City Clerk's Office
Planning Commission Meeting March 27, 2014 Page 3 of 3