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ORDINANCE 13-2022-AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the <br /> affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council repealing a portion of Lakewood <br /> Codified Ordinances Section 779.06 Fees,pertaining to medical marijuana dispensaries. (1st read <br /> and referred to HPD 3/7/22 <br /> Director Corrigan reviewed the legislation,highlighting that a$25,000 licensing renewal fee is still <br /> required for marijuana dispensaries, as it was passed in Ordinance 32-17. However, this piece of <br /> legislation would be necessary in order to conform with state law,which does not allow for the city to <br /> collect 1.5%of gross sales from a dispensary, as spelled out in Ord. 32-17. Ohio House Bill 110 was <br /> signed into law in June 2021 and prevents a fee from being levied based on a business' gross receipts. A <br /> $250 yearly inspection fee would remain compliant with state code. <br /> Chairman Bullock asked if the city has been receiving the 1.5% fee, and Director Corrigan indicated that <br /> the city had never had the opportunity to enforce it. <br /> Councilmember Kepple asked if the city had considered raising the $25,000 licensing fee. Assistant <br /> Director Swallow answered no,because licensing fees have to be supported by the actual cost of services <br /> provided by the license and the security needed for an all-cash business. So far, the city has had 0 <br /> incidents with its dispensaries,which are heavily regulated by the state. <br /> It was determined that the city has no available data to observe on the business' sales. Councilmember <br /> Baker and his colleagues stated a strong desire to see the gross annual sales data,which can be obtained <br /> from the Ohio Pharmacy Board. He also floated an idea of imposing fees based on square footage or the <br /> amount of product sold. <br /> Discussion ensued on Building & Fire Department inspections of the dispensaries. The general <br /> impression from city staff is that the businesses have been largely well run and comply with code. <br /> Chairman Bullock stated a desire to have another meeting on the topic and have the legislation considered <br /> on its third reading at the next Regular Meeting of Council. <br /> Approval of the minutes of the March 7,2022 Housing,Planning &Development Committee <br /> meetings. <br /> Motion by Chairman Bullock, seconded by Councilmember Kepple to approve the minutes. All in favor. <br /> Motion passed. <br /> The meeting was adjourned without objection at 6:54 p.m. <br />