The first reading of the ordinance governing the sale of recreational marijuana in the City of Wayne did not go as smoothly as it might have.
Councilman Jeremiah Webster noted during the meeting earlier this month that the new ordinance restricted the hours of Sunday sales of the recreational drug to noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays, which did not coincide with the hours allowed at other nearby license holders.
He suggested a change in the language allowing the sales in Wayne to be from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., which are the hours allowed in other cities.
Director of Development Lori Gouin explained that before the second reading of the changes to the current ordinance governing marijuana in the city, changes could be made by the council members. She explained that the current changes include a ban on any micro businesses or pop-up places selling marijuana and that no more than the current provisioners or outlets would be permitted.
“There will be no new locations for recreational licenses,” she told the council, explaining that while that was the case, a grower could ask for a permit to operate at an already existing, licensed seller. She explained that recreational sellers are considered retailers in the ordinance and that medical sellers are considered facilities.
“We are only allowing he current businesses to continue,” she said, “and we will follow this closely.”
While no date for the second reading of the changes to the ordinance was announced, council members were assured that city attorney Steve Hitchcock would be available to answer questions regarding any changes council members wanted to include in the ordinance.
City Manager Lisa Nocerini inquired as to the necessity of reading the changes twice as is required for an ordinance.
“Do we have to have the changes read twice,” she asked and was advised that the revisions could be included at the second reading as minor modifications to the ordinance.
The council opted to vote on the changes of Sunday hours to 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the recreational sale of marijuana in the city with Councilman Phillip Wagner and Council woman Kelly Shiff casting the two no votes on the change.
