Cortez City Council members on Tuesday delayed a decision about allowing marijuana growing operations in the industrial park, saying that they needed more information.
Mark Rodgers, who owns property off Industrial Park Road, asked the council in May to consider revising the land-use code to allow grow operations in the business park. He said some people have indicated they would buy his building, but they were waiting to see whether a code change would allow a grow operation.
Rodgers again asked council members during Tuesdays meeting if they have researched the subject. There are several empty buildings in the industrial park, and another land use might be helpful, he said.
If we can turn some buildings into productive, moneymaking buildings, then I think its worth looking at, he said.
City Manager Shane Hale said city staff were still investigating potential impacts. The police department is still investigating how much extra time and money would be devoted to patrolling marijuana operations in the industrial park if the code were changed, he said. That investigation would take several months, Hale said.
Rodgers said he has been waiting on a decision for months, and wanted to know why the police department needed more time.
Police Chief Roy Lane said the department was doing two rounds of inspections to determine possible effects. Officers were preparing to start the second round of inspections, he said. The inspection process typically takes three to four months, Lane said.
When I give you numbers, I want them to be true, the chief told council members.
Councilman Ty Keel said the council needs to wait for that information before they can make a decision. Council members said they would have that information in a few months.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Cortez Council Discusses Marijuana Cultivation In Industrial Park
Author: Jacob Mlopfenstein
Contact: (970) 565-8527
Photo Credit: Teresa Crawford
Website: The Journal
