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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSarah Leedy_ 9_2_2020 Mtg - Open Session, Item 19_ Final Reading of Ordinance MC-1541_RedactedFrom:Sarah Leedy To:Public Comments Subject:Public Comment for 9/2/2020 Mtg - Open Session, Item 19: Final Reading of Ordinance MC-1541 Date:Wednesday, September 2, 2020 3:44:56 PM To the City Council of San Bernardino: My name is Sarah Leedy, I am a Los Angeles-based cannabis permit consultant, who has assisted clients to successfully apply in the previous San Bernardino application round, and have other clients interested in any upcoming opportunities to apply for licenses. Here are my comments and questions regarding Ordinance MC-1541, on establishing the maximum number of Cannabis Business Permits in the City, based on my reading of the proposed changes, and also hearing the discussion in the previous City Council meeting on the proposed ordinance changes: 1. You've awarded 16 licenses, with only 2 in operation--are the 14 licenses not in operation abandoned or still in progress? 2. Do they have 90 days left to complete?) If these applicants do not complete by the deadline, do those licenses become available again and how would they be allocated? 3. When would the City have a new Retail application round? If approved, would applications be accepted starting 30 days later? When would the City start accepting applications for non-Retail (e.g. Cultivation) licenses? 4. If approved, will the City use the same application process and forms as for the previous round, or a new application? 5. Retail Business Buffer: For Retail is typically around 1000 ft. 2500 ft seems excessive, and would make it harder not easier for businesses to find eligible locations. Based on discussion in the previous Council meeting, the actual concern is underrepresentation in some Wards and oversaturation in others. Allocating licenses based on a CUP process and communicating that to applicants would be a more equitable way to achieve equitable coverage and avoid undue concentration. Non-Retail Business Buffer: Usually a buffer like the one requested (1000 or 2500 ft) would be between two RETAIL businesses. The buffer for non-Retail businesses is usually much smaller (or there isn't one.) I recommend a buffer following state requirements for non-Retail businesses to avoid limiting eligible parcels. 6. Finally, I agree with councilmembers who are concerned about the number of illegal businesses still operating. In my experience, the removal of these businesses from the most popular web app for cannabis, Weed Maps, should be having a significant impact on them. But it will take consistent effort between law enforcement, the public utilities and the state to permanently put them out of business. I'd like to suggest the City take this up as a study session topic, and consider legislation or other measures to address it head on. I'm happy to participate and to bring industry experts for any information or questions the City has on tackling this difficult issue. It will have a strong and positive impact on both the profits and the tax revenue of legal businesses. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully Submitted, Sarah J. Leedy, PMP