HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-02 PUBLIC SAFETY, CODE ENFORCEMENT & NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT CITY OF SANTA ANA
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC SAFETY, CODE ENFORCEMENT & NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
October 2, 2017
CALL TO ORDER: Ross Annex, Room 1600
City Hall, 20 Civic Center Drive
Santa Ana, California
5:39 PM
ATTENDANCE: Council Committee members:
Jose Solorio
Juan Villegas
Sal Tinajero
MEMBERS ABSENT: N/A
STAFF PRESENT: Cynthia Kurtz, CMO Robert Cortez, CMO
David Valentin, PD Tamara Bogosian, CAO
Candida Neal, PBA Jorge Garcia, CMO
Randy Black, OCFA Judson Brown, CD
Alvaro Nunez, PBA Willard Holt, FMS
Yessenia Aspeitia, PD
Elizabeth Plotnik, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC SPEAKERS: Peter Katz, President of Corn-Link
Gil Salmon, concerned constituent of Ward 2
Chad Wanke, Government Affairs consultant
Chris Glew, Santa Ana Cannabis Association
Iima Macias, concerned resident
Melahat Rafiei, Santa Ana Cannabis Association
1
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Proposed Ordinance Regarding Adult Use, Distribution, Cultivation, Manufacturing
and Testing of Marijuana — Acting Executive Director Candida Neal, Planning & Building
{Strategic Plan Goal No. 1, 1C}
Members of Staff provided a PowerPoint presentation, providing details of the elements included
in draft ordinance. Deputy City Manager Robert Cortez made note that the ordinance is specific
to adult and commercial uses, and did not affect Measure BB. Assistant City Attorney Tamara
Bogosian reviewed Proposition 64, and provided the staff's recommendation to allow and
regulate medicinal, adult-use and commercial cannabis activities.
Executive Director Candida Neal provided an overview of the draft ordinance, which was
prepared based on Committee and community feedback. The draft ordinance would allow for
both medicinal and adult-use cannabis, only in the industrial areas of the City, and would require
additional uses to pay tax payments or fees. Additionally, Director Neal reviewed the limit for
each type of cannabis license, as well as the permit process for each business, while suggesting a
merit point system as a solution in determining licenses given.
Treasury and Customer Services Manager Willard Holt provided an estimate for the amount of
revenue generated with implementation of the ordinance, by specifying the revenue for each type
of additional cannabis use, and comparing it to the amount necessary to fund enforcement. Code
Enforcement Manager Alvaro Nunez discussed the Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce, and gave
an overview of enforcement measures taken so far.
Lastly, Robert Cortez explained the anticipated timeline to implement the ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Peter Katz, suggests increased security measures at Eddie West Field and Main Place Mall, in
light of the tragic event that took place in Las Vegas. Additionally, he asks that proper funding
be allocated to the Police Department for enforcement of recreational marijuana use.
Gil Salmon, resident of Ward 2, suggests that personal cultivation be made legal, which would
allow the City to apply for grant funding of police enforcement and health services. Additionally,
he shares his concern about sufficient law enforcement, after recapping recent illegal drug
activity in his neighborhood.
2
Chad Wanke, a land-use and government affairs consultant, provides the Committee with a
written recommendation of a proposed amendment to the Cannabis Municipal Code. This
proposed amendment would allow permittees to change dispensary locations, upon approval
from the City.
Chris Glew, Santa Ana Cannabis Association, suggests that operational status of additional
recreational license categories,be given to applicants, prior to January 1, 2018, to ensure they are
made eligible for business. Additionally, he suggests the number of distribution and
manufacturing licenses be the same, and that microbusiness licenses be made available.
Irma Macias, a concerned resident, shares her disapproval of recreational licenses as a way to
bring the City revenue. Additionally, she feels that there is not enough funding for law and code
enforcement, therefore making the City less safe.
Melahat Rafiei, Santa Ana Cannabis Association, requests that it be noted on the record that the
Santa Ana Cannabis Association does not support the amendment about business relocations.
Additionally, she asks that the Committee consider microbusiness licenses, to promote economic
equity, and that more funding be provided for youth programs and anti-cannabis education
programs.
ACTION:
Chairman Solorio: In noting that State Law requires labor agreements for businesses with 20 or
more employees, Chairman Solorio recommends that the ordinance must also consider minoring
this law, or be similar to the law in Long Beach, which is 3 or more employees. Additionally,
Chairman Solorio asks that ordinance include defined verbiage pertaining to operational status,
to ensure applications are received, and permits are granted accordingly. Lastly, Chairman
Solorio requests that Staff create a merit point system in awarding licenses, and that an increase
of distribution licenses be considered.
Committee Member Tinajero: Asks that the written proposed amendment, about business
relocations, be considered and incorporated in the ordinance. Additionally, Committee Member
Tinajero asks that funding be provided to the school district for an anti-smoking campaign, to
educate children about not smoking marijuana.
RECCOMENDATION: Bring this item back for further discussion at another Special Meeting,
prior to going to Council on October 17, 2017.
3
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Co-Chair Villegas: While he does not support the marijuana industry, Co-Chair Villegas is
committed to public safety, and bringing forward a good draft ordinance.
Councilmember Tinajero states that an additional Special Meeting be held, prior to going to
Council.
Co-Chair Villegas agrees that an additional Meeting be held.
FUTURE ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT—6:41 P.M.
4.11P--r
DAVID VALENTIN
Acting Chief of Police
ep
4