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Ad Hoc Cannabis Committee, in coordination with the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board:
1) Approve an extension to the deadline to have commercial cannabis applications available to September 30, 2019 due to scheduling and logistical issues; and
2) Approve the release for a request for proposals for satellite services for up-to-date mapping data to track illegal cannabis activities and another for project management services for the commercial cannabis permitting process. (Est. Time: 15 Min.)
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In the commercial cannabis ballot measures of November of 2018, Ballot Measure N said that applications for the commercial cannabis program would be available in July 2019. However, the ballot measure gave the Board of Supervisors the ability to extend the deadline for any unforeseen circumstances. Due to scheduling and logistical issues with getting information from multiple agencies and providing review, staff has determined that the County will need until September 30, 2019 to make applications available.
After studying enforcement services in counties that have commercial cannabis programs, County staff found governments are using satellite services to detect and fine illegal cannabis activities. Staff is asking the Board to allow for the release of a request for proposals for satellite services. Staff will return to the Board if a contractor is found and recommended for a contract.
In addition, after studying different commercial cannabis permitting processes, County staff found that many efficient and effective permitting programs used a project management services firm. Counties that used firms were able to better service the applicants due to the firm’s ability to more effectively handle different levels of applications. Currently, even with other county data, El Dorado County does not have an accurate estimate on the amount of applications that could be submitted. Due to this uncertainty, it is recommended t...
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