Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The council approved continuing medical marijuana permit review for Greenleaf Natural Wellness Collective by 4-3, with McLaughlin, Beckles, and Butt voting no. The founders want to open a dispensary but the city had previously stopped reviewing their application.

A separate proposal to require medical marijuana collectives to use only solar-powered or outdoor growing was rejected. The measure received only 3 yes votes, with Rogers and Beckles abstaining and Boozé voting against the environmental requirement.

The council banned possession and use of all fireworks within city limits, approved unanimously. Richmond previously allowed some types of fireworks under state law, but violators can now face fines for any firework use.

Police received approval to buy $18,780 software to track pawn shop transactions online. The system will let pawn shops upload transaction details and help police search for stolen goods instead of collecting records manually.

The council approved 2 routine items on consent, including a $103,581 state grant for the Richmond Police Department. They also appointed residents to 8 city boards and commissions and approved grant-funded travel to a World Health Organization meeting in South Africa.