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<br />8. PUBLIC HEARING <br /> <br />A. Extension of the Temporary Moratorium on the Establishment and Operation of <br />Medical Marijuana Collectives. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br />1. Waive reading and extend a temporary moratorium on the establishment and <br />operation of medical marijuana collectives for a maximum period of 22 months <br />and 15 days, by 4/5 majority of the City Council. <br /> <br />2. Direct staff to prepare a permanent ordinance based on Council's direction. <br /> <br />AN INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY EXTENDING A <br />TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF <br />MEDICAL MARIJUANA COLLECTIVES <br /> <br />Mr. Mehra presented the report to Council and offered four options. Staff spelled out the <br />different opportunities for community engagement which might include joint sessions with <br />the Planning Commission and Community/Neighborhood workshops. One Council <br />Member clarified that another option might be a combination of the various <br />recommendations. <br /> <br />Mayor Ira opened the public hearing. <br /> <br />Public Comment <br />Judy Valencia said medical marijuana is helpful for her ailments and she needs to live <br />close to where she can get it. She expressed her concern about the twenty two months as <br />being behind the times, questioned turning away revenue when it is needed, and she finds <br />it an injustice to the people of Redwood City. <br /> <br />Kermit Clum thanked the Council for the chance to voice opinions, and as a member of the <br />Peninsula Patients Cooperative, he uses medical marijuana to manage his pain from an <br />earlier accident. He spoke about the large amounts of money involved and his concern <br />that we are missing out on something because they are not asking for money but asking <br />for the opportunity to help the community. <br /> <br />Katrina Archibald, a partner in the Peninsula Patients Cooperative and a Redwood City <br />resident and homeowner, spoke of her medical condition and how she has been a long- <br />time cannabis user to help with her many symptoms. She expressed her concern that she <br />has had to obtain it in an unsafe manner and it is important to her to be able to get it here <br />rather than driving to Oakland. She urged Council to consider a shorter moratorium. <br /> <br />Mike Valencia, representing the Peninsula Patients Cooperative, offered his services to <br />help. He spoke about how progressive Redwood City is, how other cities have opened <br />these types of facilities, how they do not attract crime, and how they can be beneficial by <br />offering medicine and jobs. <br /> <br />MIS Seybert/Foust to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously by voice <br />vote. <br /> <br />REGULAR CITY COUNCIL <br />MEETING MINUTES <br /> <br />JANUARY 25, 2010 <br />PAGE 8 <br />