Lemoore City Council (5/3/22) Cannabis Regulatory Permit Approved + Bush Street Overlay Contract

Here’s what you need to know:

• The Council voted to approve a budget amendment of $240,000, increasing the total project budget to $1,150,000 and awarding the Bush Street Overlay to Terra West Construction in the amount of $849,867. 
• The Council voted to approve the budget amendment in the amount of $5,000 to continue the utility services at East Village Park and Aniston Place. 
• The Council voted to approve the Project Development Agreement and Cannabis Regulatory Permit between the City of Lemoore and Pacific Plant Service for cannabis operations. 

    Purpose of Agency

The five City Council members are elected at large to serve four-year, overlapping terms. Municipal elections are held in November of even-numbered years. Council selects one of its members to serve as the Mayor, who presides at meetings and represents the City in all official matters and at official functions. Councilmembers do not spend all day at City Hall; they have regular jobs like everyone else. The variety of experience they bring to meetings helps them as a group to make wise decisions. 

Lemoore City Council Board Member Duties

The City Council is responsible for approving all legislation and formulating City policies. The Council’s objectives are broad and include translating public attitudes and service requirements into policies and programs, so that desired levels of service can be provided efficiently and economically. The Council keeps abreast of current State and Federal legislation. By participation in the League of California Cities, Council members are able to compare policies, techniques and procedures with other cities throughout the state. Close liaison is maintained with other Kings County elected officials to ensure that Lemoore’s policies and programs are coordinated with other public agencies. 

Lemoore City Council Board Members

• Stuart Lyons, Mayor and Council Member for District A
• Patricia Matthews, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member for District E
• Jim Chaney, Council Member for District B
• Frank Gornick, Council Member for District C
• David Orth, Council Member for District D

The Scene

The Lemoore City Council meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2022 by Mayor Stuart Lyons. The meeting was streamed live virtually through Zoom, where seven participants joined the meeting virtually. The five Council members met physically for the meeting. This included Mayor Stuart Lyons, Councilmembers Patricia Matthews, Frank Gornick, Jim Chaney, and David Orth. City staff and contract employees also present included Assistant City Manager Michelle Speer, City Clerk Marisa Avalos, and City Attorney Mary Lerner. Those who met in the Chambers did not wear masks during the meeting. 

Public Comment

There was no public comment. 

Ceremonial / Presentation

There were no ceremonial presentations. 

Consent Calendar

The Council voted unanimously to approve agenda items 3-1 through 3-4 on the consent calendar as presented. 

• 3-1 Approval – Minutes – Regular Meeting – April 19, 2022
• 3-2 Approval – Budget Amendment for Public Works Working Professional Contract Services 
• 3-3 Approval – Budget Amendment for PFMD Zone 5
• 3-4 Approval – Budget Amendment and Bid Award for Project 5013 – Bush Street Overlay – Terra West Construction

Public Hearing

• Public Hearing – Project Development Agreement and Cannabis Regulatory Permit between the City of Lemoore and Pacific Plant Sciences, Inc. for Cannabis Operations 

City Manager Nathan Olson said “Ordnance 2019-03 went into effect on August 2, 2019. Per the Ordinance, no person or entity can operate a Commercial Cannabis Operation within city limits without obtaining a Regulatory Permit and entering into a PDA. The Developer has successfully completed the application process and all required background checks. The developer proposes to operate a commercial cannabis cultivation and related agriculture-manufacturing, processing, non-store front delivery and distribution. The developer has requested, and staff is recommending that the PDA include a provision providing the developer with a vested right to proceed with the proposed land uses consistent with all applicable laws currently in place.” 

A resident asked “My son is in BMX. I was against it originally but am for it now. My question is will there be signage? Will this be indoors to keep the smell away? Will this affect the BMX tracks?” Mr. Olson said “I am more than happy to talk to you about this after the meeting, we have been preparing something for you. As for the signage, it will look the same way it does now.” The Council voted to approve this item. 

• Public Hearing – Resolution 2022-17 – Certifying the Environmental Impact Report, Resolution-18 – Initiating a Sphere of Influence Amendment and Annexation 2020-01 and approving General Plan Amendment 2020-03, First Readings – Ordinances and Adopting Planned Unit Development No. 2020-02, Resolution 2022-19 – Approving Accordance with the Findings and Conditions 

City Planner Steve Brandt said “This project, known as Lacey Ranch, is requesting approval of Tract No. 932 for 547 singlefamily lots and land for approximately 204 multi-family units. The project includes a pond, three parks, and a landscaped trail. The project would be constructed in four planned phases. Lot sizes range from 4,231 square feet to 19,323 square feet, with an average lot size of 6,800 square feet.”

Councilmember Orth asked “If this passes, what is the anticipated start date for this?” Jeff Roberts, Assemi Group representative, said “It is a complex project but we wanted to develop different types of housing. We think these new state housing policies will be satisfied by our housing project. We held a public information meeting, despite the pandemic, with an attendance of about 40 people. We still have to wait another 30 days for the CEQA.” A resident said “I am very excited for this project. I think this is a very cool project for Lemoore.” Councilmember Matthews said “I thank you guys and city staff for all of your hard work.” The Council voted unanimously to approve this item. 

• Public Hearing – Resolution 2022-20 – Approving General Plan Amendment No. 2022-01 

City Planner Steve Brandt said “The General Plan Amendment is to add the agriculture land use designation to all undesignated land south of Lacey Boulevard between State Route 41 and 17th Avenue. Designating the land in the Lemoore General Plan is a prerequisite to requesting that the land be included in the Sphere of Influence. The land use rights of the property owners will not change. This is more of a technical request. The Council voted unanimously to approve this item. 

New Business

There was no new business. 

Brief City Council Reports and Request

• Councilmember Orth: “I attended the Pizza Festival all three days and it was a great turnout. Thank you to the City staff for helping us. We had a blast.”
• Councilmember Gornick: “I thank City staff for hanging in with the multiple issues.” 
• Councilmember Chaney: “Thank you all city employees for a great job.”
• Councilmember Matthews: “I attended the Memorial Overpass Dedication for Officer Diaz. I attended the Pizza Festival for all three days. We have the downtown Cinco de Mayo event with crafts vendors, live music and food. There will also be Coffee with the Cops on May 17th at West Hills College at 9 a.m.”
• Mayor Lyons: “Thank you Mr. Ecro for coming down here and doing the prayer. The Pizza Festival was good. The Lemoore Volunteer Firefighter Golf Tournament was good. 

Adjournment

With no further discussion, Mayor Lyons adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:52 p.m. 

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