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NEWTON FALLS -- Village council in a 4-1 vote Wednesday gave the first reading to placing a moratorium on issuing building permits or certificates for structures to be used for the cultivation, processing or sale of recreational marijuana.
The public will be able to provide input on the ordinance May 15, where a hearing will take place.
At that meeting, council will decide on final reading for the moratorium.
Second Ward Councilman Brian Axiotis, who cast the lone "no" vote, said concerns were brought up by the planning and zoning board over the sale of recreational marijuana.
"I do not support this ordinance. I know voters in the state voted to legalize marijuana. By outlawing it, all it does is have people go next store or somewhere else to buy their marijuana," Axiotis said.
"I still feel that by outlawing legal weed all you've done is allow for illegal weed in your neighborhoods. Passage of this will change nothing," Axiotis said.
Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert said she supports the moratorium.
"I am very concerned of the unknowns that can be ahead with this," she said.
Mayor David Hanson said he is concerned about cannabis products not regulated by the Federal Drug Administration and with whom is making them.
Hanson said he also has concerns of health risks of usage, such as seizures and even death.
"It is important that we protect our citizens," he said.
Last November, voters statewide approved Issue 2, which permits the cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, home growth and use of recreational marijuana by adults over the age of 21.
Newton Falls' proposed ordinance will prohibit or limit the number of adult-use cannabis operators, which include cultivators, processors and dispensaries permitted within the municipal corporation.
Resident Julie Lemon said she is against marijuana being brought into the community and causing more trouble.
Other residents said they want no more drugs in the community as well, and indicated the moratorium will help with reducing the current problems.
METER READING
In other business, residents asked officials what village workers are doing with the electric and water meters.
Village Manager Mike Novotny said staff is reading the meters and also in the process of installing new meters. He said up to 60 meters are being installed per day..
He said the staff is recording the meter readings to get them uploaded into the computer software system for the utility bills.
"There are still a number of meters that have not been installed," he said.
Also, council approved that at emergency meetings, the public will be given up to three minutes to make comments before council votes on items on the meeting's agenda.
Council also shall give 72 hours notice in writing of a special meeting. The mayor, vice president of council or any two members of council may call special meetings.
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