Marijuana, alcohol on Council docket

After going back to look at a proposed ordinance to place a moratorium on marijuana operations in the city, the City Council will vote on an ordinance banning the substance's sale from vehicles or temporary locations. The ordinance bans the sale of medical marijuana by itinerant vendors, which was a concern raised during a Planning and Development Committee meeting last month. An ordinance placing a moratorium on new medical marijuana grow operations and dispensaries will be discussed during tonight's meeting as well. A proposed ordinance was brought before council at the April 5 meeting, but Public Works Director Dave Peterson said that the wording would halt many building projects in the city on the cusp of the summer construction season. Council will set a date for a public hearing and then bring the re-worked ordinance to a vote at a later meeting, Mayor Tim Solomon said this morning. Because the ordinance will be considered an emergency ordinance, only one reading will be necessary instead of the traditional two before the ordinance goes into effect. Also during tonight's meeting council members will read for the second and final time an ordinance change to allow alcohol by permit in certain parks. Alcohol is currently banned from use in city parks, but with the addition of "except by Special Use Permit" in the current ordinance's wording, it will be permitted in Pepin, Deaconess and Optimist parks, as well as the men's slow-pitch softball field. Alcohol is already allowed in the 6th Avenue Softball Complex because of a lease agreement and will continue to be allowed under the ordinance change. The permit contains the following stipulations: • Events with 24 people or fewer: no permit fee. • Events with 25 to 49 people: $35 fee. • Events with 50 to 99 people: $50 fee, proof of liability insurance. • Events with 100 or more people: $75 fee, proof of liability insurance and the event must be catered. Regardless of group size, parties must follow all city and state laws regarding alcohol consumption, including age limits; keep alcohol use in a designated area; clean up the area of use; consume only beer or wine in nonglass containers; and wrap up the event by 10 p.m.