Council to Consider Pot Ordinance One More Time

Though the debate rages on in the community, and certainly here on Martinez Patch, the Martinez City Council may be ready to put the issue to rest this week when it considers the revised cannabis dispensary ordinance and the various rules around it.

The meeting begins Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta St.

A standing-room-only crowd packed the chambers Feb. 16 to give pro and con positions on allowing the marijuana cooperatives to operate in the city. Many residents felt that the dispensaries would invite trouble in the form of robberies and other illegal activities, and diminish the reputation of a city working hard to overcome years of negative perceptions, mostly from those who do not live here. Many others felt that a dispensary would be a benign operation that would provide convenience and relief for those suffering from a variety of ailments, and a nice tax base for the city.

Two council members — Mark Ross and Janet Kennedy — declared their opposition to dispensaries in Martinez, while two others — Mike Menesini and Lara DeLaney — support the idea. Mayor Rob Schroder said he also would support a dispensary if the proper regulations were in place to protect the city.

The council will discuss a variety of options Wednesday, including whether to allow one dispensary to operate on a one-year trial basis, or permit three to open.

Another contentious issue is location. The council will decide whether to allow a dispensary 600 feet from schools and churches, as the state requires, or 1,000 feet, as the Planning Commission proposed. Properties on Arnold Drive, Howe Road and Sunrise Avenue will be considered.