City Gives Green Light to More Booze Sales, Red Light To Med Grass Dispensaries

During its first meeting following the traditional early August recess, the Elk Grove City Council conducted a relatively quick meeting that lasted a little over an hour.

Amongst the meetings highlights were a hearing on granting a license to the Walgreens store at 9120 Franklin Boulevard to sell beer and wine and on ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits.

The council had previously heard Walgreens request, but the matter was continued after several residents concern about the sale of alcohol near several businesses catering to youth. To mitigate the concerns, attorneys for Walgreens met with concerned residents.

To resolve the issue, Walgreens’ agreed to install two outdoor surveillance cameras within 30 days, place more trash receptacles and not to have any outdoor advertising of alcoholic products. The council approve Walgreens request based on the addition of these conditions.

With regard to the ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries, the council unanimously voted for its establishment. While the council uniformly said they support true medicinal marijuana, particularly for terminally ill patients, they noted it was still available nearby and would not cause an inconvenience for those in need.

Other business and candidate Jimmie Johnson’s ‘Pledge’

In other business, the council approved switching the city’s worker compensation carrier. According to assistant city manger Becky Craig, the switch to Travelers insurance will save $600,000 in premiums annually.

During the public comment section of the meeting, city council candidate Jimmie Johnson took the opportunity to relate how he has asked other city council candidates to sign a pledge to voluntarily limit campaign contribution they will receive. Johnson is running against James White and incumbent Gary Davis for the District 4.

Check back later for a follow-up story on Johnson’s pledge request.