HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-16 Council Minutes - Work SessionKENAI CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JUNE 16, 2015
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MAYOR PAT PORTER, PRESIDING
NOTES
Council present: P. Porter, R. Molloy, H. Knackstedt, B. Gabriel, T. Navarre, R. Marquis
Others present: City Manager R. Koch, City Attorney S. Bloom, and City Clerk S. Modigh
Mayor Porter began the work session at approximately 6:00 p.m.
City Attorney Bloom reviewed the outcome of Ballot Measure 2 which legalized marijuana in the
state of Alaska, advising that as of February 24, 2015 personal use of marijuana became legal
for adults over 21, and that as of May 2016 commercial marijuana business licenses will be
issued.
Bloom provided an overview of legislative action taken to date reporting the State was currently
in the process of appointing members to a Marijuana Control Board. Thus far, the definition of
"in public" for purposes of public consumption, and proposed regulations regarding local options
has been completed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board. The State has advised
that two additional sets regulations would be established by May 2016.
Bloom reviewed operations authorized by statute, additional commercial operations authorized
by proposed regulations, and statutory local options. Bloom further noted the potential issues
with regulations related to conflicts with Alaska Administrative Code and City Charter. Bloom
recommended the City forward the ABC Board a letter requesting they reconcile its regulations
which are conflicting with State Statute and Charter, to which Council concurred.
Lastly, Bloom provided potential action the Council could take and suggested topics that should
be discussed and considered.
Council discussed whether Kenai should rely on State regulations or establish its own
regulations. Council concurred to have the Planning and Zoning Commission begin a review to
determine zoning and land use recommendations for potential commercial businesses and
wanted to ensure community input during the process.
Patricia Patterson, a Kenai resident commended Council for conducting the work session and
cautioned over taxation.
Lee Fable, Chairman of the Borough's Task Force, thanked the City for holding the work
session and spoke in favor of providing necessary direction to the community.
The work session was adjourned at 7:36 p.m