The newly formed Marijuana Advisory Committee will gather for the first time Tuesday, and will kick off the meeting with a discussion about a proposed ban on retail marijuana operations within borough boundaries.
The proposal first came in front of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly in February. Sponsor John Harrington said at the time that his intent was to spark a conversation. He also suggested that a ban could sunset in a year, so the Assembly could revisit the issue.
The Assembly chose to defer the proposal, and since then the borough formed the ad hoc Marijuana Advisory Committee to investigate issues surrounding the legalization of marijuana.
The seven committee members are Borough Assembly Members Alan Bailey and Glen Thompson; Ketchikan City Council Members KJ Harris and Bob Sivertsen; Saxman Mayor Sylvia Banie; Saxman Vice Mayor Woodrow Watson; and School Board Member David Timmerman.
In addition to the proposed ban on marijuana businesses, the MAC will discuss what positions the community should take on proposed state legislation regarding marijuana regulation, such as the number of plants allowed per dwelling, edible marijuana products and local taxation powers.
Another discussion topic on the MAC agenda is potential local laws. They include the definition of a public space; potential zoning restrictions; whether to allow marijuana tourism marketing; and whether to allow advertising for marijuana businesses.
Tuesday’s meeting starts at noon in Borough Assembly chambers at the White Cliff building. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting, which will be streamed at the following link: http://borough-ketchikan.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=3
