Monongahela approves medical marijuana ordinance
Monongahela Council approved guidelines that severely restrict medical marijuana dispensary and production facilities within the city.
The ordinance was approved by city council during its regular monthly meeting Thursday.
The ordinance limits medical marijuana dispensaries to areas zoned C-1 central business, C-2 highway commercial and M-U mixed use. They would require a special exception granted after a public hearing.
It stipulates medical marijuana cannot be dispensed within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, public playground, public park, church or meeting houses. Those distances can be waived by a vote of the zoning hearing board following a public hearing at which property owners within 1,000 feet of the proposed area are given an opportunity to comment.
Medical marijuana dispensaries must be located at indoor, secured facilities.
Medical marijuana growing/producing facilities face the same restrictions and regulations as dispensaries.
In other news, council discussed two varying complaints.
Councilman Tom Caudill said he has received several complaints from citizens about youths riding bicycles downtown.
Police Officer Larry Maraldo said bicycles are not permitted on downtown sidewalks or streets nor in the aquatorium.
“Hopefully we can rectify the situation because now school is over,” Maraldo said.
Mayor Bob Kepics said he was among city residents who have had drones flown over their properties.
Solicitor Todd Pappasergi said drones have sometimes been used by government for mapping or in Charleroi, where they were used to record the condition of dilapidated buildings from above. But, they are considered trespassing if a resident uses them to spy on their neighbors.
Meanwhile, council approved an ordinance approving a stop sign at the intersection of Vine and Finley streets.
Council also approved facade improvement grants to David and Missy Kevech for property at 200-202 West Main St., and for George Stasko for property at 211 Second St.
Council voted to remove the fountain at Chess Park, which has had mechanical issues for awhile, Councilman Ken Kulak said.
Kulak reported that storm sewer inlets along Park Avenue will be renovated beginning next month.