Town Board Meeting Recap: Will Cicero allow the sale of recreational weed?
By Cicero Independiente
Here is a quick recap of the latest Town of Cicero Board meeting.
Who was there?
The Cicero Town Board met last on October 8th at 10 a.m., for another speedy board meeting. This time the meeting lasted a little over twenty-five minutes and there were thirty people in attendance, including some town staff. President Larry Dominick and all members of the board were in attendance. Like the last board meeting that we attended, most items on the agenda were approved without any discussion.
What happened?
The Town board approved a resolution for an advisory, non binding referendum question about marijuana to be included on the ballot for March 17, 2019. On that day, people who can vote and are Cicero residents will be asked whether recreational weed sales should be permitted in Cicero. Although town officials did not discuss this item further, one person in attendance did voice an opinion during the citizen comment period at the end of the meeting.
“I’m proud to say that they are putting it on the ballot for the people to decide...we should have a voice. I know it is advisory but I hope they will take the advice of the citizens,” said Marie Picco who opposes marijuana sales in Cicero.
During the citizen comment period Creig Pesek, the town project manager, gave an update about sales made by the town recently.
“The last six weeks the Town of Cicero has sold approximately $3 million in real estate property to private developers, which includes over $10 million in investment in the community that is going to [bring] new construction which will create hundreds and hundreds of jobs,” said Pesek. The majority of the jobs, he explained, will come from the two lots that were sold near the Walmart. Future development in the area will include a Golden Corral and three separate buildings with quick service restaurants.
During the rest of the board meeting, there were several permits that were approved for events at some of Cicero’s churches including a Dia de los Muertos Event on November 2nd at Mary Queen of Heaven. As well as a resolution to set the trick or treating hours from 12-7 p.m. for this year’s Halloween on October 31st.
Will people be able to buy recreational weed from a dispensary in Cicero once it becomes legal next year?
Not yet. Although the use of recreational weed will become legal in Illinois starting January 1st, the law that was passed allows municipalities like Cicero to prohibit recreational weed dispensaries in their towns. The referendum question will allow Cicero residents who are eligible to vote to voice their opinion about the matter in March. Other places, like Naperville, have already voted to not allow recreational weed dispensaries to open. This is a list of places that have so far been approved to sell recreational marijuana.
Town of Cicero residents can make public comments about this and any other issues during the Citizen Comment period at the end of each Town Board meeting. The next one will be on October 22nd at 10 a.m.
