2017-02-13 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes

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� OFq c Town of Reading Meeting Minutes '6AA'IMOArT v� �. Board - committee - commission - Council: 1811 NOV 28 PM 3: 01 Community Planning and Development Commission Date: 2017-02-13 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Great Room Address: 49 Pleasant Street Session: Purpose: General Business Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Nick Safina, Dave Tuttle, Karen Goncalves-Dolan, John Weston Members - Not Present: Others Present: Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios, Community Development Director Julie Mercier, Economic Development Director Andrew Corona, Selectman Kevin Sexton, Selectman Barry Berman, Administrative Assistant Caitlin Saunders, Thad Berry, Bill Crowley, Kathy Tierney, Cindy & Mike Hanson, John Russell, Charles Salemi Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: Chair Nick Safina called the meeting to order. Continued Public Hearing. Zonlna Bylaw Amendments - April Town Meeting Recreational Marijuana Ms. Mercier reminded the Commission of their prior discussion of recreational marijuana on January 9`h, and explained the process with regards to the April election and April Town Meeting. Both the prohibition and the moratorium will be on the Warrant, but only the prohibition will be on the ballot. If the prohibition fails, then that article will not be moved at Town Meeting. She noted that at their request, Town Counsel prepared a separate article for the definition of`marijuana establishment'even though he is not sure it is necessary. Mr. Safina inquired as to what would happen if the prohibition falls at the polls, and then the moratorium fails at Town Meeting. Mr. Sexton suggested that a Special Town Meeting could be opened within April Town Meeting for a vote on a Zoning Bylaw amendment that would allow recreational marijuana in certain districts. The Commission could decide whether to do this after the April election. Mr. Tuttle opined that this scenario is the reason for having a separate article with just the definition - it will allow the Commission to regulate the use in the event that the prohibition and moratorium both fail. Mr. Weston pointed out that a definition in and of itself does not do anything. Mr. Safina noted that an article crafted for Special Town Meeting, if needed, would include a definition. The Commission reviewed the moratorium article and discussed the timeframe. Mr. Weston stated that the timeframe works with the Subsequent Town Meeting timeline if the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) actually promulgates regulations on schedule. The moratorium is Page I 1