Current ordinance prohibits it

BREWSTER – Speakers in attendance at the city council regular monthly meeting on June 12 represented Okanogan County Superior Court, North Central Regional Library (NCRL) and the retail marijuana business.

Dennis T. Rabidou Director of county’s Youth and Family Services Division appeared with Superior Court Judge Henry Rawson to provide council members a regular update on services and programs related to juvenile issues and partnerships with community agencies, law enforcement and schools in the south county area.

Barbara Walters, executive director of the NCRL, appeared with several staff personnel including Brewster branch manager Rebecca Zion to update council members about summer programs and other services available to subscribers.

Council member Manny Hurtado inquired about continuing education local access for residents who need to take monitored exams for various technical certifications. Hurtado said that out of area travel to Wenatchee, Spokane or beyond is often required for exam purposes and wondered if the library had a way to offer similar access at a local NCRL branch. Walters said she would look into the request and respond soon.

Saranjit Bassi owns a retail marijuana store in Okanogan and asked council members to reconsider the allowance of a similar store in Brewster. Bassi said tax revenues from the business would benefit the city.

The existing city ordinance approved in 2012 provides for the denial of business licenses for any activity that is illegal under state or federal law. Since marijuana remains unlawful under federal law the city would have to revisit its ordinance to allow retail sales within city limits.

Council member John Housden suggested that no action be considered by the council until it can be established that there is a site within the city where location of a retail marijuana store would not violate existing buffer zones.