Town Commissioners Minutes — 2017-08-30

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QUEENSTOWN COMMISSIONERS
Public Hearing
August 30, 2017
PRESENT: President Thomas B. Willis, Jr., Commissioner Hogie Schuster, and
Commissioner George L. Plumbo, Jr., Brynja Booth, Town Attomey, Amy Moore, Town Clerk,
and Peter Johnston, Town Planner.
PUBLIC HEARING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:10 P.M.
Brynja Booth, Town Aftorney, announced that this hearing was for the purpose ofobtaining
comments on proposed Ordinance 17-06 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN
TO AMEND THE QUEENSTOWN ZONING ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH LOCATIONS FOR
MEDICAL CANNABIS LICENSE DISPENSARIES AND MED]CAL CANNABIS LICENSED
PROC'SSORS.
This Ordinance would amend the Use Table to permit medical cannabis licensed dispensaries in
the PRC, HC and RC districts with conditions and permit medical cannabis licensed processors
in the I district.
Ms. Booth stated that all local jurisdictions are grappling with this issue. All uses are
permissible by State law, but towns can designate and define where they go in each individual
town.
Peter Johnston showed on the zoning map which districts were depicted in the Ordinance.
President Willis announced that the hearing was opened up for public comment:
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Joseph Kelkowsi - 117 Aker Road - doesn't want in town. Feels would bring wrong kind
ofpeople here. He went out around town with a petition against it and obtained 124
signatures. We don't need it in town. Mr. Kelkowski presented the petition to the
Commissioners.
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Kim Keiler - Old Wharf Lane - asked if the dispensary would be open after normal
business hours? She was informed that the Town has not received any formal proposal at
this time.
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Dr. Peter Robertson - Del Rhodes Ave. - stated he has Industrial zoned property in Town
where the processor would be permitted. He would be interested in this. As the
processor is permitted, he would also like to see grower added to that zone. The history
ofherbal medicine dates back 2000 years. Having a medical marijuana dispensary in

town would be the same as having a pharmacy in town. He has family members who are
physicians in the states they live in and it's been proven to work there. Ifnot approved,
we would be denying something proven to work. He believes the Commissioners should
consider allowing a dispensary in the Town Center (TC). If permitted, it could stimulate
foot traffic in the TC and could be great benefit towards economic development.
Matt Anthony - Aker Road - He's against it. Recovering drug addict. He knows it's
good for glaucoma and other illnesses, but those kinds ofplaces attract people who use
all kinds of drugs and alcohol and would bring guns and other weapons to this town. The
Commissioners have no clue what can of worms it would be opening if they allow this.
You don't put these things in small towns. Marijuana is a gateway drug to stronger
drugs. Town needs to wake up. Don't need it and don't want it.
Bill Booker - Metzdorf Lane - he inquired whether the Outlets had been approached
about the dispensary being placed there, as it is one ofthe zoning districts that it is
permitted. He thinks they should be made aware of the ordinance. If one resident is
expressing concern, then most likely a majority ofresidents are concerned.
Commissioners were elected to see to the best interests ofthe citizens. There are many
reasons to deny. Ifthere are no personal expectations ofthe Town Commissioners. they
should deny. Is the medical cannabis dispensary really necessary? If majority wants it,
they should vote for it. Ifnot, then don't.
George Buckler - Comegys Lane - He's against it. This is a small town, and the reason
he came here. A lot ofpeople know someone who is on drugs, and this won't be a good
thing for the town.
Wanen Wright - The Drug Free Queen Anne's Coalition - only when medical cannabis
is approved by the FDA will it be a good thing. It is still illegal in most places for a
reason. Permitting recreational marijuana was introduced by the State last year, but did
no pass. It will be coming back, and eventually sees it passing. There is only a 5% need
for the medical cannabis and doesn't see it as a good thing for the community in
Queenstown. It's an all cash business, which could lead to crime.
Ashley Herr - Kingstown - one of the owners of Hippocratic Growth, the business
interested in possibly opening a dispensary in Queenstown. She believes there is so
much misinformation out there and hopes that those with concems and questions would
speak with her directly or read the application that was filed with the State that is
available at the Town Office. The State regulations are very rigorous. What she wants to
do will help the community and be a benefit. When asked why she wouldn't want to be
on Kent Island, she stated that is where they initially looked. The only area that they
would be permitted is an Industrial park, which has no vacancy. They are interested in a
space in Centreville as well.
At this point there were several people speaking and asking questions of Ms. Herr, with
some getting loud and argumentative.

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Al Hardee, resident and Chairman ofthe Planning Commission, asked those present to
please calm down. He stated he was against it at first, but after reading the application to
the State, he changed his mind. There are enough regulations, stipulations and safeguards
that he feels this business would work in Queenstown. He urged those with questions
and concerns to read the 150+ page application for themselves.
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Stefanie Takacs - Maryland Ave. - In consideration of a final ordinance by the
Commissioners, she asked that they consider setting more restrictive distances between
same type businesses, set more restrictive hours of operation, consider and address
potential traffic concems, and look at anticipated tax revenue.
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Bill Booker - really believes Commissioners should talk with the Outlets and make them
aware of this. And if people really don't want it, they should vote against it.
There being no further comments at this time, President Willis advised written comments would
be accepted until our next meeting on September 13,2017
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Commissioner Plumbo motioned to adjoum the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Schuster, and motion carried unanimously.
Respectfu lly submitted,
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Amv V. Moore. Town Clerk