Council MIN 11-17-2015 SpecialCITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
November 17, 2015 — 5:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the Special Meeting to order at the hour of 5:34 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge, Councilmember Lydia
Assefa- Dawson, Councilmember Kelly Maloney, Councilmember Susan Honda, and Councilmember
Bob Celski.
City staff in attendance: Chief of Staff Brian Wilson, City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall, and City Clerk
Stephanie Courtney.
Mayor Ferrell excused Councilmember Duclos absence.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLIEGENCE
Norma Blanchard led the flag salute.
3. STUDY SESSION — MARIJUANA LEGISLATION UPDATE
Senior Planner Stacey Welsh updated the Mayor and Council on recent legislation and changes
regarding Cannabis. She noted Senate Bill 5052 — Cannabis Patient Protection Act establishes
regulations for the formerly unregulated medical marijuana system. Medical Marijuana is now under
the existing regulations of recreational marijuana. As of July 1, 2016 medical and recreational
marijuana can only be purchased at State licensed retail stores.
The Act repealed the provision authorizing collective gardens, however medical marijuana may be
grown in a patients' domicile, provided no portion of the activity (growing or producing) is viewed or
smelled by the public or private property. This law does not permit recreational marijuana to be grown
at home. Ms. Welsh listed the requirements and limitations of the newly allowed "Cooperatives ".
Ms. Welsh stated the recent Advisory Proposition No. 1 is currently failing with 61% voting "No" to
allow marijuana - related businesses to locate in the city. Staff is preparing an ordinance for the next
Regular Meeting to ban marijuana - related businesses. Medical Marijuana Cooperatives are not a
business and would not be addressed within such a ban. To further clarify, Ms. Welsh stated if a ban
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 1 of 2
November 17, 2015
was established it would not preclude a qualified patient or designated provider from individually
growing marijuana at home or in a cooperative.
Councilmember Moore arrived at 5:49 p.m.
Councilmembers thanked Ms. Welsh for the presentation and information. Clarifying questions were
asked regarding the 1000 foot buffer of the cooperatives to sensitive areas; possibility of revenue
sharing; and regulation of customers purchasing cannabis online and accepting delivery in the city.
Ms. Welsh stated House Bill 2136 allows for revenue share; however, there has to be a State
Licensed store within the jurisdiction.
Councilmember Maloney suggested the topic of medical marijuana be added to the Council's
Legislative Agenda, to support separating medical from retail marijuana.
In response to Mayor Ferrell's request, City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall spoke to the current direction.
She stated following the certification of the recent election and the majority of "No" votes of the
Advisory Proposition No. 1; staff will bring forward an ordinance to ban at the December 1st, 2015
Regular Meeting. This ordinance will replace the retail moratorium. The moratorium on medical and
collective gardens will continue until they are dissolved as of July 1st and replaced by the new
"Cooperatives ". To enact this ordinance prior to the end of the year, the ordinance will have 1st
reading and enactment at the same meeting.
At 5:53 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council will be recessing into Executive Session for the
purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b).
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION
• Collective Bargaining Pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b)
Council returned to Chambers at 6:09 p.m.
5. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Special Meeting at
6:09 p.m.
Attest:
- • nie D. Courtney, CMC
Ierk
Approved by Council: 12/01/2015
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 2 of 2
November 17, 2015