By Howard Packowitz and Heart of Illinois-ABC
BLOOMINGTON – Elected leaders Monday night did not rule out the possibility that they’ll allow businesses to sell marijuana in Bloomington and Normal.
Bloomington City Council members directed staffers to prepare two ordinances for next Monday night’s council meeting.
One of the ordinances would set rules for marijuana sales, which council members would send to the planning commission for a public hearing. The other ordinance would ban pot sales, according to our news partner, Heart of Illinois-ABC.
Council member Scott Black wants to continue the process so the public can be heard.
“We’re at a point in time where I want to make sure people can provide the feedback that they’re looking to give, and I think that comes through the planning and zoning process,” said Black.
The council heard preliminary recommendations from the city’s 10 member cannabis task force. Seven of the task force members favor regulated marijuana sales, while two city police representatives and a downtown business owner suggest Bloomington take a wait-and-see approach.
In Normal, the council voted 5-1 to send a draft ordinance to the town’s planning commission for a November 7th public hearing, despite an appeal from retired council member Jeff Fritzen, who’s often stated his opposition to recreational marijuana use.
“Because the state statute goes into effect January 1 doesn’t mean immediate action has to be taken locally,” said Fritzen.
“I think this is something that is such a weighty matter that I think maybe more input, more discussion prior to initiating any action to go forward would be beneficial,” Fritzen said.
The issue is so controversial the public should have the chance to weigh in, said Normal Mayor Chris Koos.
“It’s an issue that’s very polarizing in the community. There are people that are very strongly against it. There are people that want it to happen, and I think it deserves at least a public hearing,” said Koos.
The mayor said he’s willing to suspend the rules at future council meetings and provide constituents with extra time to present their views.
The only council member to vote no was Stan Nord, who wants to wait for a few months to see what happens to communities that opt-in when the state law takes effect New Years Day.
“I’d just like to wait for more information. I think we’re making a lot of decisions based on speculation instead of fact,” Nord said.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
