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Add the City of Wyoming to the list of area municipalities that are opting for a halt or moratorium, on cannabis business permits.  

The city council voted 5-0 last week to initiate a freeze until July 2024.  

In the interim, council also scheduled a public hearing for this August 15 to specifically act on freezing applications related to the state law that becomes effective August 1 allowing marijuana recreational uses.

Council also unanimously approved an ordinance last week restricting where marijuana can be consumed.  

The City of Wyoming is treating this product like alcohol and tobacco is currently controlled, and is prohibiting its use in public spaces such as parks and trails.

The city attorney from the Rinke Noonan Law firm said the city buys itself some time doing this, to discuss where cannabis business operations will be allowed, hours of operation, etc.  He said the new state law doesn’t give municipalities a whole lot of controls, and cities do not license these types of products or outlets.  They are, however,  asked to review the dispensaries granted state licenses as to whether their business aligns with city code.

Attorney Tom Loonan added that the city has the ability to revoke the moratorium at any time.  So, if things seem to be coming together and state guidelines are finalized and distributed and rules are swiftly adopted, Wyoming can always eliminate the moratorium if it’s in the best interests of the city.

City Administrator Robb Linwood also mentioned these new cannabis use standards and considerations do not impact the existing beverage products that already contain  limited amounts of THC and are sold in  Wyoming liquor stores.  

In the other main agenda action— council approved a proposed agreement to be drafted with Polaris.  The final contract will give Polaris until 2024 to receive an assessment for last minute construction changes to East Viking Boulevard.  

The change will result in a better-built road, Engineer Mark Erichson explained and will address issues that affect travel quality now,  but were left out of the project due to cost.  \

Polaris is covering about $70,000 additional reclamation methods. Patching costs will be eliminated.  The city will front the funds and pay-off will arrive in 2024.

And— during open microphone at the start of the meeting Scott and Gloria Norton inquired as to why the city doesn’t have a nativity scene on display anymore. They’d like to see it along with the evergreen tree lights at Railroad Park.  

The open mic is not a time for discussion ordinarily— but Council member Dennis Schilling told the couple that erecting a nativity means all the other religions will need to be treated equally,  and he anticipates non-Christian groups reacting to a Christian symbol, set up by the city, by asking for a similar consideration.

City staff will draft an information piece on holiday symbols and standards regulating the city role establishing specific beliefs and make this available to council later.

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