Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX — Whitman County commissioners Monday morning had the first of two sessions of a final public hearing for their coming decision on a proposed marijuana ordinance.
With commissioners stating they would like to vote on the matter Dec. 28, a handful of members of the public commented on a Planning Commission draft proposal, including amendments, put forth last week by county commissioners.
The proposal would allow more marijuana businesses to open in unincorporated Whitman County, but would put additional restrictions on them.
Commissioner chairman Michael Largent noted that he and commissioners Art Swannack and Dean Kinzer have reviewed public input to date in this process, which began in March 2019, with some later delays due to the virus.
On Monday, residents’ input leaned toward support for stronger restrictions of marijuana operations in the county.
Kathleen Lloyd offered her thoughts, in the virtual format, applauding the inclusion of an amendment to ban outdoor growing and efforts at smell mitigation.
“Odor controls, I think that’s probably been the No. 1 issue,” she said.
She also lent her support to an amendment from commissioner Kinzer, to add residences to the list of sensitive uses which require a buffer zone such as 1,000 feet or more. She supports a minimum 1,500 feet.
Ken Duft then spoke, complimenting the Planning Commission.
“Their work has been diligent, long and serious. They have not left a rock unturned,” he said.
He then gave his view on the proposed ordinance.
“The document you have in front of you is probably not ideal or perfect, but it is good,” he said.
Sheri Wadsworth followed, asking commissioners to make buffer zone distances larger.
“I just can’t imagine these high-walled businesses taking away the beauty of (areas in this) county,” she said, noting odor concerns, too. “If this was your neighbor, how far would you want this from your home?”
Rod Commons then lent his support for a minimum of 1,500 feet buffer zones.
Guy Spencer, a Palouse-area farmer talked about standards for marijuana farmers and otherwise.
“If your gonna hold marijuana farmers to (some of these restrictions), you should hold other farmers to the same standard,” he said. “This morning, when I was feeding those sheep in the rain, it smelled.
“As a capitalist, I feel like maybe we should let the markets decide... we’re overregulated. It’s millions of dollars and that could go right into schools, the county budget... A lot of it’s really not objective.”
Nicole Lee followed, saying she was “delighted to see outdoor growth eliminated.”
Derek Harris gave more public input.
“We have an opportunity in the area to set a precedent, to have some restrictions, to hold these companies accountable,” Harris said. “Make the lot sizes larger, make it 10 acres (instead of 2 or 5)... have them find a place where other people aren’t.”
After a quick back-and-forth between Lloyd and Spencer, the hearing was recessed until 6 p.m.
The evening session was still going on at press time.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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