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US: Law Permitting Cannabis Outlets Approved by City Council Bill Koeneker Malibu Surfside News Thursday 31 Jul 2008 Siding with its planning commission, the Malibu City Council this week refrained from placing a ban on pot pharmacies, but agreed to limit the number of them in the city to two. The planning panel had recommended allowing three dispensaries. The council had approved several moratoriums on new facilities during the past several years when it learned there were no specific provisions in the city’s zoning code for permitted uses of cannibis dispensaries after two started doing business in Malibu. Much like the hearing at the planning commission meeting, dozens of people from Malibu and outside of the city, including a doctor, an attorney and patients showed up to urge the council to allow the facilities and explain why they should. No one spoke in opposition to allowing pot pharmacies in the community. Several council members appeared reluctant to allow the use. “I don’t know what to do,” said Councilmember Sharon Barovsky, who was adamant about approval being limited to one dispensary. “I don’t see three shops.” Councilmember Jefferson Wagner said he was personally opposed to them, but was swayed by so much public testimony and written comments in support. “I have compassion for the people who need it. Most of the community has been for it,” he said. Councilmember John Sibert said he had two relatives who are sick and rely on medical cannabis therapy. “I can see one or two, but not three. It makes sense to keep it regulated and keep an eye on it,” he added. Mayor Pamela Conley Ulich said she wanted to tighten the conditions, such as keeping the facilities at least 1000 feet away from schools, parks, churches and other such establishments. The commission had recommended 500 feet. Conley Ulich also wanted to make sure the dispensaries would be subject to a public review by the Conditional Use Permit process. The staff recommended the two facilities must obtain a CUP to operate. “This is very difficult. It would be remiss to deprive the right that the people of the state voted for. My gut is telling me to allow one,” the mayor said. LIBRARY AGREEMENT With the head librarian of Los Angeles County, Margaret Todd, looking on, the council unanimously approved a memo of understanding with the county for Malibu Library facilities and services. It essentially means, for the time being, the city will be staying in the county library system. The MOU establishes a structure for the expenditure of excess funds uncovered by the city, which will be used for improvements to the public library. “It has been a four-year process,” said Conley Ulich, who had spearheaded municipal efforts that resulted in the discovery of the excess funds belonging to the Malibu Library. “I am pleased with the agreement. I am looking forward to getting to the renovations,” said Todd. Barovsky praised Todd for her efforts. “You were our advocate with the county. It is hard to work with the county,” she said. The memo provides a way for the city and the county to work together in making improvements to the exterior and interior of the building, interior renovations and the construction of an outdoor patio known as the “Room with a View.”
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