O’Fallon citizens discuss cannabis as frustration mounts about reopening amid COVID-19

Another plea for public input on allowing adult-use cannabis businesses resulted in several opinions on both sides during the O’Fallon City Council meeting May 18.

In two public comment opportunities during the Zoom webinar meeting format, support for reopening small businesses before Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 5-phase plan with the earliest date of May 29 was also expressed. The governor’s stay-at-home mandate runs through month’s end.

Starting with the Community Development Committee meeting May 11, aldermen began conversations on what action to take following the non-binding advisory referendum March 17. They plan to continue discussion at the May 26 CDC meeting.

The turnout was 52.7 percent in favor (2,750 votes) and 47.3 percent against (2,487), with 5,237 votes cast during the Illinois primary election.

With a slim majority during a time of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, those opposed have argued it is not a representative number.

Those in favor say the people have spoken and if people did not vote, their opinion afterwards should not be taken into consideration.

Under the law, municipalities may not restrict the private consumption of cannabis but could adopt and enforce local ordinances to regulate possession and public consumption so long as the regulations and penalties are consistent with the act.

The city staff is seeking direction from the council on whether to permanently prohibit or allow adult-use cannabis business establishments, or only allow for the retail sale of cannabis or the transportation and cultivation of cannabis.

Aldermen said they wanted to hear more from citizens, and six spoke at the council meeting, including a small business owner, the city treasurer and people who have a financial stake in the cannabis business.

Treasurer David Hursey said he doesn’t have a vote but having served over 20 years, “I have a voice.”

He said over the past several days, he had received 20 emails from residents, and an “overwhelming majority” are against cannabis sales. A small business owner, against cannabis sales, said he wanted to keep O’Fallon “a family city.”

Trissa Jenkins told the council: “You need to listen to the people.” Her sentiments were shared by two other speakers in addition to her husband, Joshua Jenkins, who works in the field.

A resident named Nicole said the election results should be respected. She said the council had a “strong bias” against the sales. She also complained about Turf Fields and the bathrooms not being open.

The council had passed an ordinance Sept. 16, 2019, prohibiting the sale and cultivation of recreational cannabis, with a sunset provision that would expire six months following the certification of election results by St. Clair County, which was April 8. That means the city must have its law in place in October.

Last summer, Pritzker signed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, making the state the 11th one in America to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. It went into effect Jan. 1.

Consumption of cannabis for recreational use is allowed on private property and potentially, specifically designated establishments, such as dispensaries or smoking lounges. But it is not allowed in public places, schools and childcare facilities, among other locations.

In other comments, a small business owner said he has been in O’Fallon for 15 years, and had to lay off half his staff. He told the city small business owners need their help, and that O’Fallon “can be safe and be open.”

Mayor Herb Roach said the city has sent a letter to the governor about moving Phase 3 forward but has not received a response.

“How can we get small businesses open? Statistics show we are well within the guidelines. Let’s get things moving. Unfortunately, nothing is happening,” he said.

Roach said he often meets (virtually) with state representatives, senators and other regional officials.

“We’re trying to express ways we can move forward,” he said. “My dog could get groomed, but I can’t. My wife had to cut my hair ... We are trying. We will continue to try to see if we can get money coming into Southern Illinois.”

Other O’Fallon City Council action

The council renewed a coordinated communications services contract with Shiloh for $150,000 per year, which is an increase of $10,000 because of the rise in the number of calls for service.

As an authorized public safety answering point operating within the framework of the St. Clair County Emergency Telephone System Board, O’Fallon operates a licensed radio station in providing police, fire and EMS services.

The contract was effective May 1 and will end April 30, 2021, and payment is in four quarterly installments of $37,500.

In other action, the council advanced adopting a Fair Housing Policy for approval at the June 7 meeting. This policy is typically necessary for some federal and state funding.

The public works department is working on submitting a $5 million Rebuild Illinois grant for improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, and one of the requirements for the grant submittal is a fair housing policy.

The state has allowed municipalities the ability to adopt such a policy in line with federal and state laws, and the proposed ordinance mirrors Illinois’ law.

The council approved the O’Fallon Kiwanis Club’s request to conduct a roadblock at the intersections of State and Lincoln and State and Smiley from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 18 and 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 19.

Mayor Roach noted it may be subject to cancellation, as have other fundraising roadblocks based on governor’s orders.

Additional residential development update

The final plats of Aberdeen Village and Park Bridge Station Phase 2 were approved as well.

Aberdeen Village is a 244-unit townhome community with three commercial lots, a clubhouse with open gathering areas and offices located on the east side of Scott-Troy Road, just north of East U.S. 50 and across from the McKendree Metro RecPlex.

The residential development will have all two-bedroom townhome style units. In addition, a 3.47-acre commercial development will include a pharmacy with a drive-thru, a restaurant with a drive-thru and a strip center with mixed use, including a restaurant with alcohol sales.

Park Bridge Station is a 33.40-acre subdivision located just west of Venita Road and north of Fire Department Engine House #4/ Headquarters.

The 4.51 acres of land was previously owned by the city but was sold to the developer via an RFP process in 2016-17. Park Bridge Station was approved as a 67-lot subdivision, with lot sizes range from 10,000 square feet to 48,000 square feet in size, with an average lot size of 17,242.

The first phase of the subdivision included 25 lots along Taylor Road and the main entrance to the subdivision. Phase 2 of Park Bridge Station includes 11.49 acres and 23 lots.

Memorial Day celebration information

In his report, Mayor Roach said because of the current limitations on gatherings and requirements for proper distancing, the Memorial Day Celebration at the Veterans Monument has been canceled for this year.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, and city hall will be closed.

Roach said what isn’t canceled is the remembrance of the over one million men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms American citizens have.

He encouraged residents to remember the real reason of this holiday and and honor and say thanks to veterans.

Council meeting moved

Because Memorial Day is Monday, the city council’s committee meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

People must register for the Zoom meeting. That information is on the meeting agendas posted at www.ofallon.org

Pritzker’s March 16 executive order waived the attendance requirements for public meetings to allow for virtual attendance. In-person attendance will not be allowed, but public attendance and comment will be available through the virtual meeting.