Bucking what seems like nearly every city and county in the state, the Satellite Beach City Council is working toward allowing medical marijuana treatment centers in the city in areas where pharmacies are now allowed.
The measure, an ordinance amending the Land Development Regulations allowing for the centers, was approved on first reading Nov. 1 and is expected to come up on second reading Nov. 15. On Oct. 16, the city Planning Advisory Board recommended council action adding medical marijuana treatment centers to a permitted use within commercial zones.
Mayor Frank Catino said the assumption is that those other cities and counties passing bans or moratoriums are playing a waiting game, hoping the state Legislature will eventually set clear rules concerning the location and operation of facilities for dispensing medical marijuana.
But he believes that wait-and-see position is a disservice to the citizens who overwhelmingly voted in favor of allowing the facilities in a November 2016 referendum. In Satellite Beach, that vote was 4,977 (72.2 percent) in favor, 1,918 (27.8 percent) against.
“As an elected official, if I don’t abide by their show of a vote for it, then what good is any other vote that we take? I think it’s our responsibility to make sure that we have an ordinance that allows it and in an area that was conducive to our city,’’ he said.
Medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs) are the only entities permitted to dispense medical marijuana and they must be registered with the Department of Health.
If municipalities don’t enact a ban or continue with moratoriums – as have most in Brevard County except Palm Bay – they by ordinance can determine criteria for the location. In Satellite Beach, only one such facility would be allowed anyway, because of the 1-per-10,000 residents stipulation. Dispensing facilities also may not be located within 500 feet of a school.
Catino contends that cities should consider voters, as well as the concerns among residents about the facilities, but act in a timely manner to set rules under the state guidelines approved statewide. “Why did we put it on the ballot and have folks vote on it? It passed by a huge amount, therefore we need to find out how to do it successfully. That’s our responsibility,’’ Catino said.
City officials have sought information from the Florida League of Cities and attended seminars on the matter.
“We feel comfortable that it’s the will of the voters, they wanted it, and we think we can live with how they are going to open these. It’s a population thing and we may not get one but I don’t think we can faithfully not make that attempt to have it available. Why do people go to the polls? If they had voted it down, fine, but they didn’t vote it down. It wasn’t even close. Are you going against the will of the people?’’ he said.
Added City Councilman Dominick Montanaro: “I don’t think Satellite Beach should be influenced by what other municipalities are doing. I have a responsibility to the residents of my city and will make my decision based on comments residents make at our next meeting,’’ he said.
