Title
Resolution Regarding Establishment of a City of Ann Arbor Marijuana Permitting, Oversight and Review Function and Body
Body
Whereas, On July 3, 2019, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) issued Emergency Rules implementing the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA) approved by Michigan voters on November 6, 2018 and the State will begin to accept applications for state licenses on November 1, 2019;
Whereas, It is the intent of the City of Ann Arbor to adopt zoning and permitting ordinances that allow for marijuana establishments as authorized by MRTMA to operate in the City;
Whereas, It is the intent of the City of Ann Arbor to limit the number of permits issued for Marijuana Provisioning Centers/Retailers, Designated Marijuana Consumption Facilities and Marijuana Microbusinesses;
Whereas, For municipalities that have permit limits, state rules require a competitive process to allocate those permits, and City Staff will present a proposed competitive process for Council consideration on October 21, 2019;
Whereas, In addition to the initial allocation and renewals of permits, the successful implementation of Ann Arbor’s ordinances will require ongoing oversight/engagement and likely include other operational, safety and enforcement considerations and activities as well as policy considerations (such as the renewable energy/solar requirement for growing facilities);
Whereas, Boulder Colorado is a university city similar to Ann Arbor and in recognition of the need for ongoing oversight and evolution of its recreational marijuana policies and regulations, Boulder established a Marijuana Advisory Panel in January 2016 and is presently considering creation of a Marijuana Licensing Authority;
Whereas, Ann Arbor City Council believes that an oversight body to supplement staff efforts will ensure a safe, effective and equitable implementation of Ann Arbor’s marijuana ordinances; and
Whereas, The licensing, policy, operational and safety, enforcement and penalty considerations and activities for marijuana facilities are similar to those for Liquor Licenses and the City of Ann Arbor currently has in place a Council Liquor License Review Committee;
RESOLVED, That City Council endorses the creation of a marijuana oversight body and directs the City Administrator to present to Council within 90 days a report outlining scope, authority and structure alternatives and recommendations for the marijuana oversight body;
RESOLVED, That the report should include a discussion, pros and cons, and a recommendation regarding whether the oversight function should be incorporated into the roles and responsibilities of the Council Liquor License Review Committee or whether a separate Marijuana Board, Commission, or Committee should be established; and
RESOLVED, That the report should further include discussion and recommendations regarding the body’s authority and scope (including, but not limited to, specifically addressing permit allocations, ordinance enforcement, and other potential policy considerations), deliverables and membership (if separate from the Council Liquor License Review Committee).
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Lumm, Ramlawi, Ackerman, Eaton, Grand, Hayner, Bannister and Mayor Tayor