2025.01.06 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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From:Dean Anderson To:Tom Weidt; Becky Petryk; Dave Strub; Mike Miron; Bryan Bear; Rachel Juba; Michele Lindau; Max Gort Cc:Reece Geel; Isabeau Ryan Subject:Urgent Action Required: Cannabis Zoning Ordinance Procedural Concerns Date:Monday, January 6, 2025 5:15:07 PM You don't often get email from dean@uffda.cc. Learn why this is important Caution: This email originated outside our organization; please use caution. Dear Mayor, City Council Members, and Planning Commission Members, We are writing to urgently request that the City Council re-evaluate and refer the Cannabis Zoning Ordinance back for further review before its adoption. The current process, driven by fear and unfamiliarity rather than informed decision-making, raises significant concerns about procedural fairness and the disregard of public feedback. Despite ongoing public engagement, including expert consultations offered by stakeholders, the ordinance as it stands reflects the unchallenged influence of Associate Planner Gort rather than a balanced, community-driven approach. This course of action places the city at risk of potential legal challenges and undermines public trust in the integrity of the zoning process. Specifically, we urge the council to adopt the public-recommended amendment, which introduces a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) framework for cannabis cultivation in rural zoning districts. This amendment represents a balanced compromise addressing the concerns of both city staff and the public. The ordinance, as currently written, fails to reflect the broader interests of landowners and residents who have actively participated in this process. In light of these ongoing issues, we strongly urge the council to consider the following steps: 1. Adopt the Public-Recommended Amendment – The addendum offered by the public provides a pragmatic solution that addresses both city staff concerns and public interests. Adopting this amendment would demonstrate the city’s commitment to fair governance and responsible land-use planning. 2. Re-evaluate the Cannabis Zoning Ordinance and Refer it Back for Further Review – Allow additional time for meaningful integration of public feedback, expert consultation, and balanced zoning practices that reflect the realities of cannabis cultivation. Failure to take these steps may not only lead to negative public perception and backlash but could also lay the groundwork for legal challenges that could further complicate the city's efforts to regulate cannabis cultivation. By engaging more thoroughly with the community and demonstrating a commitment to transparency and fairness, the city can avoid unnecessary conflict and foster policies that benefit everyone involved. For Further Analysis and Detail: Lack of Due Process and Public Engagement: