To: Board of Supervisors
From: Executive Office
Meeting Date: July 18, 2017
|
Department Contact: |
Carmel J. Angelo |
Phone: |
463-4441 |
|
Item Type: Regular Agenda |
|
Time Allocated for Item: 30 min |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the County's Cannabis Program Implementation Including Creation of a Stand-Alone Cannabis Program Unit and Creation of a Cannabis Manager Position (Sponsor: Executive Office)
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Receive information and recommendations regarding the creation of a stand-alone Cannabis Program Unit, creation of a Cannabis Program Manager Position and provide direction to staff as appropriate.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
During the July 11, 2017, Board of Supervisors meeting, the CEO presented an update regarding her intent to present an item to the Board of Supervisors recommending hiring a Cannabis Manager and to place the Cannabis Program in a stand-alone unit. Further, during the Agriculture Department’s update on the Cannabis program, the Board directed that the Chief Executive Officer’s item be expedited and presented in concept on the Board’s July 18, 2017, agenda for consideration.
Summary of Request:
The County’s Cannabis program was implemented and effective as of May 4, 2017. Since that time, the County has been discussing various operational issues associated with program administration, as well as receiving public comment that has illustrated the need to consider alternate means of program administration. The Executive Office has researched other municipalities associated with cannabis program management, including the City of Sacramento, Santa Cruz County, and LA County. Based upon the research and considering the feedback received from the community, the Executive Office is recommending the formation of a stand-alone cannabis management unit. The proposed role of the unit would be to serve as a county-wide coordinating body, under the direction of the Board and with County departments to implement the Board’s cannabis policy priorities and departmental procedures. Under the direction of Board of Supervisors and along with departments, the proposed intent of the unit is described below:
• Coordinate County departments to better implement the Board’s ordinances, policies and direction regarding the Mendocino County Cannabis Program;
• Work with County departments to streamline the County’s processes to effectively implement the Cannabis Program and support cannabis code enforcement;
• Serve as a central “hub” for the County’s Cannabis Program, including administering the Track and Trace program and managing the Cannabis Program 800 number (844-421-WEED);
• Develop a sustainable framework to institutionalize the program into County government;
• Advocate for legislation at the state and federal levels that advance the County’s cannabis policies and priorities; and
• Establish a County infrastructure that evolves with changes in the developing cannabis market.
The stand-alone Cannabis Management Unit Manager would have reporting responsibilities to the County Chief Executive Officer.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Do not accept update and provide direction to staff.
Supplemental Information Available Online at: n/a
Fiscal Impact:
|
Source of Funding: n/a |
Budgeted in Current F/Y: N/A |
|
|
Current F/Y Cost: n/a |
Annual Recurring Cost: n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supervisorial District: All |
Vote Requirement: Majority |
|
Agreement/Resolution/Ordinance Approved by County Counsel: N/A
|
CEO Liaison: Janelle Rau, Deputy CEO |
|
|
|
CEO Review: Yes |
|
|
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
|
Executed By: Nicole French |
Final Status: Approved |
|
Date: July 20, 2017 |
Executed Item Number: Item |
|
Note to Department: |
|
|
|
|