Lind Council prohibits marijuana operations in town

As a major discussion point over the past few of years, the Lind Town Council members unanimously approved a marijuana ban within town limits during the regular meeting on April 10.

The ordinance prohibits the production, processing, retailing and distribution of marijuana products within the Town of Lind.

Ordinance No. 18-04 was originally drafted to address I-502, which Washington voters passed in November 2012. After the Washington State Liquor Control Board approved the final rules regarding the law, the Town of Lind began to discuss a marijuana ban within the town.

The Town of Lind hosted public meetings to hear opinions regarding the potential of marijuana businesses within the town limits. From those meetings, the council members considered the potential negative impacts, as well as the chance of increasing drug use within the town.

The council agreed the best course of action was to lessen the potential of negative impacts to the town and its citizens by prohibiting all recreational and medical marijuana business activities within town limits.

The council members also unanimously approved three resolutions that established a cash handling policy, credit and fuel card use policy, and establishing a color copy fee for copies made at Town Hall.

Resolution 18-04 established a cash handling policy and procedures for the Town of Lind. The purpose of adopting the policy was to specify procedures for municipal officials and employees for proper handling, custody, reporting, balancing and depositing of cash received by the Town.

Resolution 18-05 established a credit and fuel card use policy for the Town of Lind. The purpose of adopting the policy was to provide a guide to municipal officials and employees in the proper use of credit cards and fuel cards, as well as stating those who were authorized to use the cards.

Resolution 18-06 was adopted as an amendment to Resolution 04-01, to establish a color copy rate for copies made for members of the public. The fees for public copies are $.45 per sheet for a color copy, which is now listed in the resolution for fees regarding utility late fees, faxes, council chamber rent and NSF checks.

During the meeting, Stantec Engineer Alan Gay provided updates regarding the waste water treatment plant and the storm water project.

Gay said he visited the waste water treatment plant earlier in the day and he believes there is a clear path to have it “tuned up” and operating as it should.

Currently, Gay said there are too many solids passing through the qualifier, but there are adjustments that can be made to eliminate solids leaving the plant from being an issue.

The Town of Lind is also applying for funding for the water system, and Gay said an income survey needs to be completed before the application is submitted. An income survey will help the Town qualify for a better funding package.

Town Clerk/Treasurer Kim Michaels said she was contacted by RCAC, and they will conducting the survey.

Gay also informed Council the storm water project letter was submitted to the Department of Ecology three weeks ago, but there has not been a response received about the project yet. Gay explained if the extension is denied, the Town will be responsible for paying back the current loan balance.

If the Town is able to get the project back on track, Gay said the Council can determine if they would like to continue and purchase the property. The Town will still need to go through the application process again, and the income survey will also be important for Ecology funding.

Mayor Paula Bell provided an update regarding the Clean Up Day in Lind, and explained inclement weather limited the ability to utilize the clean-up services. The Town of Lind will host a second Free Dump Day on April 21. Bell said residents are asked not to bring large furniture to try to dispose of.

With construction to begin for the solar farm in Lind, the Town is coordinating with CDSI to provide 40-yard dumpsters for construction waste.

Strata Solar has been working with the town to provide a timeline of the project, as well as discuss ways the project can positively affect the town, even during construction.