Canal Fulton City Council discusses cannabis dispensaries

Canal Fulton City Council

Tuesday meeting

KEY ACTION: Discussed recreational cannabis dispensaries in the city.

DISCUSSION: Although there are no marijuana dispensaries in the city, there have been some inquiries about locating one in Canal Fulton. Even though voters have approved a ballot initiative legalizing recreational marijuana in Ohio, many communities have passed legislation either prohibiting dispensaries or placing a six-month moratorium on them while city councils and boards of trustees further discuss the issue. While Canal Fulton’s council did not take a formal vote on permitting or prohibiting the dispensaries, discussion revealed that a majority of council members would approve locating a dispensary in the city. In favor were council members Eric Whittington, Jeanann VandenBerg, Scott Svab and Doug Morgan. Opposed were Sue Mayberry and Mark Cozy. Arguments in favor of the dispensaries included local access to marijuana for those suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, cancer and other painful conditions; increased revenue to the city; and controlled content of the drug vs. marijuana laced with deadly drugs. Council will continue to discuss the issue as information is collected from other local governments that have agreed to locate cannabis dispensaries in their communities.

OTHER ACTION:

• Heard that the 2023 state audit of the city’s financial status has been completed and shows that the city is doing very well in all 17 criteria. Finance Director William Rouse noted that the city is “the third from the top in standing among communities in the area.” He said he expects the same to be true for 2024.
• Heard that construction of the westside water tower is on schedule with the tank to be delivered in August. Installation will take about three months, City Manager Dan Bucher Jr. said. The project is expected to be completed in 2025.
• Adjourned to executive session to discuss the police contract and employment of a public employee. Upon reconvening, council ratified the FOP contract which includes a new salary index based on longevity. No specific figures were immediately available. Council also agreed to advertise for a new full-time finance director with government accounting experience who is a CPA. The salary is set at between $75,000 and $90,000.

UP NEXT: Will meet at 6 p.m. July 16 at the Safety Center. Work sessions and meetings are livestreamed and recorded. Videos may be viewed on the city’s Facebook page.

Joan Porter