The council’s engagement with the cannabis establishment ordinances underscored the complexity and nuance involved in legislating emerging industries. The conversation was marked by a proposal to amend the operating hours for cannabis establishments to include Sundays, a move indicative of the council’s responsiveness to the dynamics of local commerce.

During the discussion, the language within the ordinances was a point of contention. Specific terms such as “plant” and “plan” were debated. Moreover, council members expressed concerns over the wording of restrictions on cannabis licenses. Through debate, the council agreed upon necessary modifications to the ordinances, which included clarifying regulations and rectifying typos. This attention to detail was further emphasized as one council member advocated for a steep increase in late fees for renewal licenses as an incentive for timely compliance, while legal counsel weighed in on the reasonableness of the hike and its potential to withstand legal scrutiny.

The council ultimately voted on the proposed amendments and set a date for a second hearing, signaling the advancement of the legislative process.

In another significant matter, the council faced the delicate issue of religious expression in public spaces. A proposed display of a crescent and moon on municipal property, in recognition of Ramadan, prompted an examination of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The legal counsel recommended against proceeding with the display, citing the constitutional requirement for separation of church and state and the potential for such a display to run afoul of these principles.

Public comments also touched upon the constitutional matters, with concerns over the process for licensing the proposed display. The council debated the limitation of one applicant, the requirement of site control, and the authority to reject license applicants.