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Date: 3/9/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Six dispensary permits were set for review during the City Council’s Feb. 28 public hearing meeting. Due to ongoing concerns about the city’s Host Community Agreements (HCA), the council decided to table each item with a desire to further scrutinize the HCA selection process in a future meeting.
City Councilor At-Large Jesse Lederman requested a motion to table the six items during the meeting’s opening item. He explained that the decision falls in line with the council’s conversation during their Feb. 1 meeting, with the body agreeing that there are flaws within the city’s selection of HCA applicants. “When we had tabled, we had done so using several statements relative to holding a committee of the whole meeting to address issues that have been raised relative to the selection process,” said Lederman.
Lederman expressed that he would not be comfortable with reviewing the six marijuana permits before that meeting occurred.
“I personally am not comfortable moving forward with further testimony or votes this evening relative to the marijuana reward process until we have that meeting to discuss those issues,” said Lederman. While he acknowledged that tabling the items was not convenient, the councilor deemed further review necessary as the council needs to make clear decisions with integrity. Lederman also aired his hopes that a committee of the whole meeting will be scheduled soon.
After being seconded by Ward 3 Councilor Melvin Edwards, Ward 8 Councilor Zaida Govan expressed her support for Lederman’s motion. “I agree we should swiftly act…I would really love if a special meeting could be scheduled so we can get to the issue as soon as possible,” said Govan.
Ward 7 Councilor Timothy Allen also provided an update on Ward 2 Councilor Justin Hurt’s request for the Attorney General’s office to oversee the city’s HCA process. Hurst said during the Feb. 1 meeting that he would make the request so the HCA review can be further analyzed. “I’ve been in touch with the Attorney General’s office…they are reviewing the allegations,” said Allen.
Ward 5 Councilor Malo Brown is abstained from discussing the HCA selection process due to his involvement, but the councilor inquired if he could address the council during the HCA meeting to defend against allegations of corruption.
“The selection’s process I am abstaining from, but the letter is completely different from the selection process. It’s pretty much insinuating that I am a crook. Am I going to be able to talk about that,” questioned Brown. He expressed that he wants to advocate for the ethics of he and his peers during their HCA selection process.
Ultimately, the council decided to table the items in a 12-1 vote. A meeting to further review the HCA process will be scheduled in the near future.