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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Hearing - BOCCOpen Record Public Hearing Take public comment on the six-month moratorium imposed on marijuana and marijuana -infused products. August 8, 2023 3:20 p.m. In Attendance: Rob Jones, Chair Cindy Carter, Vice -Chair Danny E. Stone, Member Barbara J. Vasquez, Clerk of the Board Barbara Duerbeck, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae, Prosecuting Attorney Chris Young, Director of Development Services Jim Cook, Assistant Director of Development Services Public: See sign in sheet The Commissioners held an Open Record Public Hearing to take public comment interim ordinance adopting a six-month moratorium on the establishment, re -location, or licensure of facilities, properties, or businesses involving the production and processing of recreational marijuana or marijuana -infused products. Barbara Duerbeck, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, read from Ordinance No. 23 -067 -CC that was adopted on July 25, 2023: Section 1: Moratorium Imposed. Pursuant to the laws of the State of Washington, a moratorium is hereby imposed prohibiting within all areas of unincorporated Grant County the establishment, re -location, or licensure, of facilities, properties, or businesses involving the production or processing of recreational marijuana and marijuana infused products. While said moratorium is in effect no building permit, occupancy permit, other development permit or approval, or business license shall be issued for any of the purposes or activities set forth above. Should any permits or licenses be issued in error for the above purposes or activities, such shall be null and void. Section 2: Duration. The moratorium imposed by this ordinance shall continue in effect for six consecutive months from its effective date, unless repealed or modified by the Board of Grant County Commissioners in accordance with applicable law. Section 3: Public Hearing. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.390 the Board of Grant County Commissioners shall hold a public hearing on this moratorium within sixty days of the adoption of this moratorium, issuance of findings of fact to immediately follow, to be held: Date: 08/08/2023 Time: 3:20 p.m. Location: Grant County Commissioners Hearing Room #101, Courthouse, Ephrata, WA Section 4: Vesting. This ordinance does not apply to any uses legally established, permits issued, or complete applications submitted, before the effective date of this ordinance. Commissioner Stone stated that the Board decided there was a need to review the county ordinance and this six-month moratorium will allow for that. Jerome Wawers asked about the reference of water use and that it should be governed by the state/federal entities, not by this board. A motion was made by Commissioner Stone, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to close the public comment portion of the hearing. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Commissioner Carter to adopt the 6 -month moratorium. Commissioner Stone stated the Board already approved the moratorium and would not second the motion. This hearing was to only take public comment on the previously adopted Ordinance. Commissioner Carter stated the hearing was advertised as such and the Clerk of the Board stated it was a staff error. Based on what was advertised, Commissioner Stone asked the Prosecuting Attorney if the ordinance needs to be adopted again. Barbara Duerbeck, Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney stated no, and that Findings of Fact will be adopted at the next Consent Agenda meeting. The hearing adjourned.