The Colusa Planning Commission last week learned they would have to wait until the City Council places additional members on the dais before they can take action on a large cannabis manufacturing business at the northeast corner of D Street and East Clay.
Nearly every seat in City Hall chambers was filled for the opening of the June 22 public hearing on the controversial project, but the five-member body failed to seat a quorum after Commissioner John Martin recused himself.
“I have a vested interest close to the property listed in this conditional use permit,” said Martin, who owns and operates a custom farming business and is foreman at his family’s crop dusting business.
The Colusa Planning Commission is a five-member body but has two vacancies, following the resignation of Commissioner Dick Armocido on May 24 and Chairman Richard Selover on June 15.
Martin’s recusal would have left just two members, Ryan Cordoniz and Ed Duncan, who would not be allowed to take action.
The Planning Commission has had a major shift in the make-up of the panel in recent months.
Members Ken Flagor and Brendan Farrell resigned in February, and were replaced with Martin and Duncan.
Armocido resigned two months later after the City Council again failed to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation not to allow marijuana retailers in commercial-zoned districts, particularly the downtown core.
Armocido said the Planning Commission spent months updating the city’s cannabis ordinance and conducted multiple public hearings, in which it was determined the public overwhelmingly disapproved of allowing pot shops on Market and adjacent streets.
The Planning Commission then lost Selover, who was serving as chairman.
Selover resigned from the Planning Commision after serving 25 years, following the June primary election to focus on his campaign in the Nov. 8 runoff for District 5 Supervisor.
The Planning Commission also lost Community Development Manager Bryan Stice, whose last meeting was June 22.
Stice took a position with the City of Patteson and reported for work on Monday.
The City Council will accept applications to fill the two open seats until July 11.
Meanwhile, Codorniz, who had been serving as vice-chairman, was selected chairman on a 3-0 vote. Duncan was selected to serve as vice-chairman on a 2-1 vote.
Codorniz postponed the hearing on the D Street/East Clay cannabis manufacturing and research park until July 27.
The Colusa Planning Commission meets at 7 PM on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.■