WS Minutes 2022.11.28PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2022
6:00 P.M.
The Prattville City Council held a Work Session on Monday, November 28, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Roll was called with all Councilors recorded as present.
Council President Boone declared a quorum and called the Work Session to order.
Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. was recorded as being present, in addition to the following staff: Fire
Chief Terry Brown, City Clerk Paula G. Barlow, IT Director Jose Figueora, Finance Director
Daniel Oakley, City Attorney Andrew Odom, Assistant City Clerk Dawn Russell, City Planner
Scott Stephens, and Police Chief Mark Thompson.
Council President Boone explained the Work Session was to discuss medical cannabis
dispensaries. She advised that Chief Thompson would address the Council, followed by
questions to Chief Thompson, then general comments from the Council. Council President
Boone reminded all that the public was encouraged to send comments and questions prior to
the Work Session and mentioned only one response was received. Those comments were
disseminated to all Councilors. Councilor Boone invited Chief Thompson to address the
Council.
Chief Thompson stated his opposition to allowing medical cannabis dispensaries in Prattville.
He gave many reasons why it would be detrimental to the safety and wellbeing of the City.
Those include enforcement problems; introduction of black markets and drug cartels; increase
in burglaries, litter, and property damage; and an uptick in impairment related accidents and
fatalities. Chief Thompson briefly discussed the outside revenue streams that would be pushed
into Prattville. He advised that medical cannabis is opposed by leading medical organizations
to include the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the
American Heart Association. Chief Thompson citied studies and research from the Colorado
Association of Chiefs of Police, State of Missouri Medical Association, State of Missouri Law
Enforcement and Alabama Baptist Convention to back up his position. He mentioned that
allowing dispensaries appears to be the first step in legalizing recreational use of marijuana
and advised that he was in contact with law enforcement counterparts in Colorado that
concurred with his assessment. Chief Thompson stated that medical marijuana was not a cure
to any of the accepted medical diagnoses allowed by the State's legislative act and went on to
say that there were other medications already available by prescription.
Council President Boone asked for questions and comments from the Council.
Councilor Chambers asked what where some of the State regulations in place as part of the
Act. Chief Thompson stated that he was under impression the regulatory board has yet to be
set up and did not have much faith in the regulatory measures noted in the act. Chief
Thompson advised four different State agencies would have some sort of oversight. Councilor
Chambers asked how many additional officers would be needed to adequately oversee the
City if a medical cannabis dispensary ordinance was passed. Chief Thompson advised staffing
is low now and more officers are needed to maintain safety in the City, but recruitment has
been a challenge.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik asked how medical marijuana could be differentiated
from off the street marijuana. Chief Thompson's understanding was that medical marijuana
would only be in the form of a pill with no ability to be inhaled. Chief Thompson stated that
medical marijuana is not FDA approved and is against federal law. Additionally, a federal bank
would not be permitted to deposit money from this type of business allowing for the buildup of
cash in the establishment and subsequently increase the risk of crime.
Council President Boone moved to general comments from the Council.
Councilor Gornto asked if Mr. Oakley had any tax revenue projections for this type of business.
Mr. Oakley stated that the City would receive income from the sale of business licenses and
some sales tax, likening it to pharmacies in the area. Mr. Oakley did not feel that there would
be any substantial increase and certainly would not cover the cost in additional law enforcement
that would be needed on a public safety standpoint.
Council President Boone passed the gavel to Council President Pro Tempore Strichik in order
to address her comments as Councilor of District 7. She stated that she has true sympathies
for citizens or their loved ones who desire to access medial cannabis, but at a City standpoint,
she respects the advice of Chief Thompson, as a department head. Councilor Boone
mentioned her concerns to public safety, extra expenses to the City, and the allowance of "big
government" with no City oversight and the possibility of additional training to law enforcement.
She briefly detailed the marketing strategy it appeared that big business is already making by
mentioning the emailed comments from BSWMC, LLC.
Councilor Jackson asked how the City would monitor growing or the content of THC in crops.
Chief Thompson was under the impression that growing had to be done in or around the same
area as the dispensary and the State Agriculture Department would oversee growing. Council
President Boone added that growing locations within the City would be allowed without an
ordinance, as those locations were approved by the State. Chief Thompson stated he felt that
most medical marijuana would be grown at indoor facilities.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik asked if the public would be able to speak during the
Work Session. Council President Boone reminded him that when the Work Session was
initially announced, it was advertised that questions and comments should be directed to the
Council prior to the Work Session. Council President Boone again encouraged anyone with
further questions, concerns, comments and/or ideas to reach out to the Council via email or
forward to the City Clerk's Office
With there being no further comments from the Council, Council President Boone moved to
close the Work Session and adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
2
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Dawn Russell
Assistant City Clerk