Public Hearing Minutes 2/1/17
Present: Norman Anderson, chairman; Tim Nahrwold; Marilyn Sidoti; Addison Redfield
Public Hearing to consider adoption of a zoning amendment titled “Medical Marijuana Dispensaries”
Hearing opened at 6:35pm.
Norm stated that the meeting was being broadcast live on Rutland Cable Channel 191.
The public hearing notice was posted in the local newspaper on January 16th and 23rd.
Marilyn, who is the chair of the subcommittee, spoke about the current laws. In 2012 there was a vote at the polls on the Humanitarian Use of Medical Marijuana. On May 3, 2013 state regulations were set in place. These regulations are reviewed yearly and amended as necessary. Medical marijuana use is highly regulated. You need a card to obtain medical marijuana and must register every year. One of the current proposals for change by the Board of Health is to allow nurse practitioners to certify patients. Only non-profit organizations can have facilities to grow and dispense marijuana. Each organization can have a maximum of 3 facilities. State law calls for a buffer zone of 500 feet from schools. This amendment would call for 1000 feet. Towns can determine the number of dispensaries allowed
and their hours of operation. The Police Chief has trained the officers on how to tell when people are using or over using marijuana.
Norm spoke about the highlights of the proposed amendment.
- A special permit for the Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD) would be required by the planning board.
- Dispensaries would only be permitted in existing business and industrial areas.
- No RMDs shall be located on the same lot or a lot which abuts or which is within 1,000 feet of any public or private school, day care facility or any public playground, recreation facility, athletic field or other park where children congregate.
Norm noted that Paul Cranston, town council, has not finished his review and was waiting for questions from the public. They will be meeting shortly. There were no questions or further comments. Addison moved to close the public hearing. Tim 2nd, all in favor. The public hearing closed at 6:42pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Becker, Secretary
Minutes approved on 2/14/17
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