HomeMy WebLinkAbout20101004 - VIII-C-2
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Hicks & City Councilmembers
From: Paul P. Schnell, Chief of Police
Date: September 29, 2010
Item: Resolution regarding Legistlative Action on Synthetic Marijuana
Council Action Requested:
Adoption of resolution of support for the development and passage of Minnesota law prohibiting
the manuafacture, distribution, and possession of the substance generally classified as synthetic
marijuana.
Background Information:
The availability and popularity of the chemical substance generally known as synthetic marijuana
is creating growing public health and safety concerns. It is generally felt that a comprehensive
statewide policy would result in the most effective means of reponding to the concerns related to
this issue.
Financial Impact:
None
Advisory Commission Discussion:
None
Council Committee Discussion:
The Public Safety Committee did meet on September 27, 2010 and discuss the issues of synthetic
marijuana. Present and particpating in the discussion was Hastings City Attorney Dan Fluegel,
City Adminstrator Dave Osberg, and Police Chief Paul Schnell. Also present was community
Stacy Huberty, who previously addressed the Council on her concerns related to synthetic
marijuana. Based on the discussion and what is believed to be impending action by the
Minnesota Board of Pharmacy and members of our local legislators, and concerns about the
immediate effectiveness of a local ordinance, the Committee unanimoulsy supported adoption of
a resolution of support for statewide legislation. The Public Safety Committee further directed
the Chief of Police to engage the soon to be launched Prevention Study Group/Task Force in the
discussion of education and prevention programming regarding synthetic marijuana.
Attachments:
Resolution
CITY OF HASTINGS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO:
A RESOULTION TO SUPPORT THE CREATION, PASSAGE, AND IMPLEMENTATION
OF STATUTES GOVERNING THE MANUAFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION AND
POSSESSION OF THE SUBSTANCE COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS SYNTHETIC
MARIJUANA
Whereas, the manufacture, distribution, and availability of synthetic
marijuana is an acknowledged and growing public health and public safety concern;
and
Whereas, substance abuse and addiction is a concern of significance for the
City of Hastings, the State of Minnesota, and is also an issue of national prominence;
and
Whereas, synthetic marijuana has come to the attention of the Hastings
Police Department; and
Whereas, at least one Hastings youth was adversely affected after the
ingestion of synthetic marijuana; and
Whereas, the chemical substance known as synthetic marijuana has come to
the attention of State of Minnesota – Board of Pharmacy authorities, who are
considering placement of the chemical on its schedule of controlled substances; and
Whereas, Minnesota legislators who represent the City of Hastings are
aware of the presence of and surrounding issues with synthetic marijuana and have
pledged their support for statewide legislation; and
Whereas, creation and implementation of a state law regarding the
manufacture, distribution, and possession of synthetic marijuana is regarded as the
strongest means to address definitional, constitutional, and jurisdictional issues, in
addition to the range of enforcement considerations; and
Whereas, safety is the first priority of government and synthetic marijuana
is a legitimate safety issue; but thoughtful, effective, and comprehensive policy that
produce the intended outcome is the reasonable expectation of the community.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the City of Hastings lends strong support
to development and passage of Minnesota Statutes to respond to the growing public
safety concern created by the availability and prevalence of the substance known as
synthetic marijuana and that the soon to be established Youth Prevention Study
Group/Task Force explore prevention and education strategies that address the
issues caused by the availability of this substance.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings this 4 day of October, 2010.
th
Ayes:
Nays:
Absent:
___________________________ _____________________________
Paul J. Hicks Melanie Mesko Lee
Mayor City Clerk