Chillicothe — In a short half-hour first session of the year, council seemed to spend more time receiving addresses from the public on various topics than on conducting business – which included passing the “cannabis moratorium.”
The addresses covered a variety of topics, including a return of “anti-camping” legislation intended to control homeless camps. (Read and see more on that in my follow-up story.)
Mayor Luke Feeney was absent, so he could not address recurring closures of the Administration Building at 35 South Paint Street because of HVAC issues.
The city auditor was also absent, as well three council members – including Dustin Proehl, who had posted on Facebook that he was recovering from a heart attack.
Council considered only six items on their agenda (see below), only one of which was passed. That was the “cannabis moratorium” ordinance, whose passage at third and final reading surprisingly did not bring in a full audience again.
It was a prominent issue in previous council sessions:
- “Chillicothe Council Slows Movement on Proposed Cannnabis Moratorium” (12/10/2024)
- “Chillicothe Council…Lets ‘Cannabis Moratorium’ Move Ahead” (12/24/2024)
Dan Demint was the only “no” vote on the ordinance that temporarily bans new cannabis dispensaries within city limits. Lisa Bennett (its sponsor) and council has said the intent is to pause new developments in this industry newly allowed by state law, until the city zoning code is revised – which is expected to be completed this spring.
Only one cannabis dispensary is in the city, though I have been told there is another type of the cannabis / hemp / THC industry allowed by state law that has representatives in the city – which would not be affected by the moratorium.
One business involved in past public addresses to council was raided recently by Chillicothe Police:
“Search Warrant Executed at Western Avenue Exotics in Chillicothe was Part of a Five Month Investigation” (12/16/2024).
Learn more in part two, on the public addresses and homeless camps.
