Public Hearing Date for Medical Marijuana Dispensary Ban Postponed

The Imperial Beach City Council on Wednesday unanimously voted to change the public hearing date for the proposed from June 1 to June 15.

Councilman Edward J. Spriggs has another commitment that would not allow him to be present for such an important meeting, he said.

“I think it is appropriate for all of us to be present and I do not want to be absent when a matter of controversy is being addressed by everyone,” he said.

According to a staff report, on April 14 notices were distributed to various agencies and interested parties that provided the applicable public review periods for the proposed zoning ordinance and General Plan/Local Coastal Program amendment related to the medical marijuana distribution facilities.

According to City Attorney Jennifer Lyon, there needs to be direction from the council on the date change because the public notice was already given for June 1, and it is now their intent to give a new public notice showing that it will be June 15 and that it is clear to everyone that June 15 will be the day of the hearing and public comment will be at that time.

“I would hate to miss a meeting where we all need to be present and deal with public comments,” Spriggs said. “I should stand with my colleagues when controversial matters are presented to the council.”