Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Agenda Packet 05-19-14STUDY SESSION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge CO May 19, 2014 6:30p.m. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge . Call Heather Geyer, Administrative Services Director at 303-235-2826 at least one week in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion assistance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS APPROVAL OF AGENDA ..1. Marijuana Infused Products Manufacturing and other Marijuana Policy Issues £. Draft 2014 Citizen Survey 3 . Wheat Ridge Historical Society Part-time Position 4. Staff Report(s) ~ Elected Officials' Report(s) ADJOURNMENT "~·~ .... .,. City of .. ~Wheat~dge ~OFFICE OF THE CrlY MANAGER TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: ISSUE: Memorandum Mayor and City Council \ J\ Patrick Goff, City Manager .OAJ May 19 ,2014 Marijuana Infused Products Manufacturing and other Marijuana Policy Issues At the April 28 , 2014 City Council meeting, City Council approved an emergency ordinance enacting a 90-day moratorium on the acceptance and processing of new applications for marijuana-infused products (MIP) manufacturing licenses, permits , land use approvals , etc . The stated purpose of the moratorium was to give City Council an opportunity to review the existing regulations , principally the regulations pertaining to certain separation requirements that currently restrict marijuana stores from being closer than 1,000 feet to certain other land uses , including schools , day care facilities , college and university campuses and drug and alcohol treatment centers. Those separation requirements do not currently apply to MIPs or testing facilities . At the May 6 , 2014 City Council study session, direction was received from City Council to also include the followingtopics for discussion at the study session when the moratorium is discussed : 1. A permanent ban on the acceptance of any new applications for all marijuana business classifications (retail , grow , MIP and testing) 2. A City Council earmark of the fee and tax revenues generated from current marijuana businesses with at least 50% going to schools PRIOR ACTION: In past years , based on changes in Colorado law relative to both medical and retail marijuana, City Council has adopted ordinances creating a regulatory framework for marijuana-related businesses within Wheat Ridge corporate limits. On April21 , 2014 , City Council directed staff to prepare an emergency ordinance placing a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and processing of new applications for certain marijuana-related businesses. On April 28 , 2014 , City Council held a public hearing on said ordinance and the ordinance was approved by a vote of 6-1 and became effective immediately. The temporary moratorium is limited to 90 days , only applies to MIPs and does not apply to applications that were already pending prior to 5 :00pm on Monday, April28 , 2014. Marijuana Policy Issues May 19 ,2014 Page 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City currently has six marijuana-related businesses and two applications which are pending. The businesses are required to pay specific application and license fees , and their product sales are subject to state and local sales taxes. The moratorium on MIPs temporarily reduces revenues from potential new MIP businesses wanting to locate in Wheat Ridge. BACKGROUND: When the City first adopted medical marijuana regulations in March 2011 , the regulations included a requirement that medical marijuana centers (stores) not be closer than 1,000 feet to schools , daycare facilities , college and university campuses and drug and alcohol treatment facilities. This 1,000 foot distance restriction for medical marijuana centers mirrors the same restriction under state law. C.R.S. § 12-43.3-308(1)(d). Under both the City Code and state law , this 1 ,000 foot distance restriction does not apply to other medical marijuana establislunents , such as MIPs or primary caregiver locations. When the City adopted retail marijuana zoning regulations in October 2013 , those regulations mirrored the City's existing medical marijuana regulations ; so again , the separation requirements were only made to apply to retail stores , not MIPs or testing facilities. State law does not contain any distance restrictions in regard to retail marijuana establislunents , leaving the imposition of any such restrictions entirely to local governments. Recently, several citizens and elected officials have raised the policy question of whether additional classes of marijuana related businesses , specifically MIPs , should be subject to additional separation requirements , as is the case for retail and medical marijuana-related stores. It would certainly be appropriate to consider broader application of those separation requirements if it is determined that MIPs have negative impacts upon other land uses that could be minimized or mitigated by providing the additional separation. It may also be feasible and appropriate to create separation requirements between each MIP , similar to the % mile separation requirement that is already required between each marijuana store. OTHER POLICY QUESTIONS: Marijuana Off-Site Odor Impacts There has also been some recent discussion as to whether additional operational requirements should be adopted to minimize or reduce the public's ability to smell the odor associated with marijuana establishments. Existing adopted building codes do not generally address off-site odor impacts. However, there is the technological ability, using mechanical equipment , to minimize the off-site odor associated with marijuana products and production. Unla w ful Manufacturing Op erations The issue of unlawful manufacturing operations has also been raised. As a result of Amendment 64 , individuals over the age of 21 may lawfully possess limited amounts of marijuana and marijuana-infused products, such as oils and baked goods. An individual may also lawfully make his or her own oils and foods , but only within the bounds of the law , e.g., for his own consumption and not for sale and only with the small amounts an individual may possess . A Marijuana Policy Issues May 19 ,2014 Page 3 person who manufactures marijuana products for sale without the required licenses or in excess of the limits placed on individuals or in a way that violates other health and safety codes is subject to prosecution and criminal liability under existing state and local laws. Residential Gro ws The Police Department and Building Division have responded to numerous complaints about residential grows . The concerns have involved both medical marijuana and retail marijuana grows -some legal and some illegal. In several cases, the grows have exceeded 25% of the occupational space of the residence with significant changes to electrical , plumbing and HV AC systems, without building permits , that have created significant health and safety concerns for current and future property owners, as well as staff. These types of grows produce a significant amount of hazardous waste that is unregulated and "flushed" into the sewer systems. Current ordinances restrict medical marijuana grows in a residence to 25 % of the occupational space but there are no such provisions for personal recreational retail grows. There are many issues surrounding the legalization of marijuana that remain unsettled at the federal , state and local level. Staff is certain that as the state and city continue down the path of legalizing marijuana , there are going to be issues that arise that result in staff bringing policy questions to Council regarding new laws or changes to existing laws. POLICY DIRECTION: Staff requests City Council direction on whether to draft an ordinance that would create additional separation requirements for additional classes of marijuana-related businesses and if so , several specific questions would need to be answered. Staff also requests City Council direction on several other policy questions as outlined below . 1. Should marijuana-infused product manufacturing establishments be required to meet the same or similar separation requirements as currently apply to medical marijuana centers and retail marijuana stores? 2. Should the separation requirements apply to the same types of uses: schools , drug treatment facilities , daycares and college campuses? 3. If yes , should the same 1,000-foot distance be used? 4. Should there be separation requirements between each MIP such as the % mile that currently is required between centers? Taking that question one step further , the separation requirement could apply to all classes of marijuana-related establishments (retail and medical centers, testing facilities and MIPs). 5. Staff also requests direction as to whether City Council would like to consider additional regulations that would reduce or minimize the odors associated with marijuana-related products and production. 6. Staff is also proposing that the limitations on the growing of marijuana in a residence be clarified as it applies to personal consumption and growing as a primary caregiver. Presently, the medical marijuana ordinance cross references the City 's home occupation regulations , which places an area limitation of25% of the area of the primary structure and places certain other limitations on the manner in which the grow can be conducted . Staff recommends that those limitations be stated more specifically as they apply to the growing of marijuana in one's residence. Does City Council support this direction? Marijuana Policy Issues May 19 ,2014 Page4 7. City Council also raised the question at the May 5 meeting of whether a total ban on additional marijuana-related businesses should be considered. Such an approach is permissible under state law . Is that a direction City Council wants to pursue? 8. Marijuana-related businesses are generating general fund revenues in the form oflicense fees, building permit fees and use taxes and sales tax revenues. Does City Council wish to target the use of those funds in a more directed manner? ATTACHMENTS: I. Map illustrating existing locations of marijuana related establishments and existing schools , daycares , and drug treatment facilities 2. Memo from Building Division • 27TH AVE ~ WheatRt_.dge City of Wheat Ridge , Colorado 7500 West 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001 303 .234 .5900 Dati Sourcee: City of Wheat Ridge, Jeftco Pubic Schools 38TH AV E 1- 1-en en t!i en ~ LL cr: ~ ~ ii5 32ND DISCLAIMER NOTICE: Thil it 1 pic:tori.. representM:ion of geo.-phie Wid demographic informRon. Relance upon the IICCUracy, ,.liobiily ond Mltllorly of thil infomlolion il aolely ,.queatot'a reapo!Wiblity. The City of Wheat R;dg., In Je,.,..on County, C®redo -• politicel aubclvision of the State of Colorado, ha co~led for Ia UM c.-tlin computerized infDrmation. This inbrmlion is ..... ble to aalat in identifyrlg general ••• of concern onty. The computerized infonn.tion PfOYided tho~d only be relied upon wiU'I eorroborltion of the mef'lodl, asaumptiona, end resultl by 1 qualified ildependent source . The uset of this fllormation sMM indeiTW'Iify wad hotd free the City of YYhut Ridge tom any and all liabilities , dlmagea, atwsuitl , Wid CMJMI of aclon thllt resuft a 1 conaec:pJence of hil relilnce on Information provided htlfein. LAKESIDE TAIN VI 38T H AVE • • 1-en (!) z ::::; • Q. S2 32NDAVE JEFFERSON COUNTY EDGEWATER LAKEWOOD 20TH AVE Marijuana Related Businesses This map shows the businesses and land uses related to the City 's marijuana regulations which are located in Chapter 11 of the Municipal code . Marijuana Related Businesses The map shows the locations of active or pending marijuana related businesses as of April 28 , 2014. This includes retail centers/stores , marijuana infused product (MIP) manufacturers, cultivation facilities, and testing facilities . The specific types of businesses are identified on the map by the callout boxes. Schools, Daycares, Treatment Centers This map also shows the locations of schools , drug treatment centers, and home- based daycares. The Municipal Code requires a 1000-foot separation between these land uses and marijuana retail centers/stores . This separation requirement is measured using a route of direct pedestrian access , and does not currently apply to MIP locations or marijuana testing centers . Zoning Only two zone districts are shown on this map. These include the Commercial -One (C-1) and Industrial-Employment (1-E) zone districts in which marijuana related businesses are considered permitted uses. • Marijuana-related business Business type is in callout box: -Store • • • -MIP -Grow -Testing Schools Drug treatment Daycare C-1 zone district • 1-E zone district ..... , i J. City limits ..... N State Plane Coordinate Projection }.. Colorado Cet1ta! Zone " Datum : NA083 Revised May 14 , 2014 ~~A~ .... _ r City of • _.fP:W heat&_dge ~OMMUNilY DEVELOPMENT Memorandum TO: Kenneth Johnstone, AICP, Community Development Director FROM: John C. Schumacher, Jr., CBO, Chief Building Official DATE: May 7 , 2014 (for study session ofMay 19) SUBJECT: Control of Odor and Emissions from Marijuana Facilities When considering options available under currently adopted building and mechanical codes for the regulation and control of odors and emissions from marijuana facilities within the City, it is necessary to be aware that the codes do not specifically address marijuana facilities , nor do those facilities fit well in an occupancy classification that can be deemed similar in nature , making application of requirements that address odor and emission control difficult. Most applicable adopted codes related to odor and emission control exist in the requirements for Hazardous occupancies , under which classification marijuana retail and processing facilities do not readily fit. It could be reasonably argued that facilities that produce marijuana infused products, because of the volatility of the process and flammability of the product, could be classified as Hazardous. Efforts to control odors and emissions from all marijuana related facilities could be better defined and communicated and more easily applied and defended through a group of amendments to applicable codes , either those currently adopted , those soon to be proposed for adoption , or both. These amendments could consist of changes to specific occupancy classifications that incorporate the various types of marijuana facilities , which would subsequently permit application of requirements within the applicable codes for the control of odors and emissions . The amendments could also include the creation of an occupancy classification and related requirements applicable specifically to structures involved in the sale, storage, processing or alteration of marijuana. The requirements existing within the codes for the control of odor and emissions from Hazardous occupancies include, but are not limited to: • Minimum separation distances for exhaust vents and openings to intake vents and openings, property lines, or other structures. • Conveyance or "capture" systems that require air to be directed through systems designed to dilute of filter the air to acceptable levels before it is exhausted to the exterior of the structure • Independence of ventilation systems within these types of occupancies that are incorporated into mixed or multi-use structures • Unattached or stand-alone structures for specific types of occupancies Greater definition of these requirements , and amendments clarifying and requiring the applicability of some or all of these requirements to marijuana related occupancies , could be Attachment 2 expeditiously accomplished through amendments to adopted versions of the codes. It is also important to consider that the option exists to modify in any manner seen fit the codes and implement requirements that are additional to those that currently exist within the body of text , provided that those modifications and requirements are crafted in a manner that does not conflict with the application and requirements of other adopted portions of the codes. ... ~A~ ... r City of ~WheatJ3L_dge ~AoMI N ISTRATIVE SERVICES TO: THROUGH: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Memorandum Mayor and City Council M Patrick Goff, City Manager.W Heather Geyer, Administrative Services Director/PIO May 19 ,2014 Draft 2014 Citizen Survey City Council approved the inclusion of the fifth iteration of the biennial citizen survey in the 2014 Adopted Budget. The last citizen survey was conducted in 2012. BACKGROUND: The citizen survey serves as the City 's "consumer report card ." The purpose of the survey is as follows: • To assess resident satisfaction with community characteristics and amenities , and • To evaluate Wheat Ridge local government and employees , and • To further understand the resident's priorities regarding government services in Wheat Ridge. The National Research Center (NRC), based in Boulder, administers the survey. At the end of May, a postcard and pre-survey notification letter will be sent to 3,000 randomly-selected households throughout the City. Subsequently, the survey will be mailed at least once to each household; twice , if no response is received by a certain date. For the 2014 survey, residents will have the option to complete the survey online instead of completing the hardcopy survey that will be mailed to them . Historically, the City has had a high rate of participation , with a response rate of33% in 2012 . The average for a survey of this type ranges from 20 -30%. Wheat Ridge has always had higher than average response rates. Mailing the survey to 3,000 households , the City can expect to receive close to 1,000 completed surveys , which would yield a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. The margin of error for the 2012 survey was 3%. For The National Citizen Survey (NCS) and other surveys completed by NRC, approximately 1 ,200 households are mailed a survey and of those households 300-400 surveys are completed , yielding a 5% margin of error. Therefore, the City is proactive and historically has been effective in mailing the survey to 3,000 households. A margin of error of 5% is typically seen in other national surveys , and is generally v iewed as a good and sufficient margin of error. It would take approximately 2,000 completed surveys to see the margin of error decrease to 2%. Draft 2014 Citizen Survey May 19 ,2014 Page2 It is important to note that many of the survey questions allow for comparisons to national and front-range benchmark data , available through the National Research Center (policy questions excluded); therefore , these same questions appear on each iteration of the survey in order to provide comparable trend data for Wheat Ridge. The NCS was among the first scientific surveys to gather resident opinions on a range of community issues and has been used by more than 300 communities in 45 states . The NCS is the only citizen survey tool endorsed by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National League of Cities (NLC). Following the data analysis and report writing phase of the project, City Council can expect to see a presentation of the citizen survey results during a study session in late August or early September. Staff also plans to include a snapshot of survey results in a future edition of the Conn ection s Newsletter. POLICY QUESTIONS : Included for your review , and discussion during the study session on Ma y l91h, are several policy questions that directors have drafted with the assistance of the National Research Center. The purpose of including these policy questions is to gauge the level of support , importance, and opinion of citi z ens related to the following current policy topics . Questions were drafted for the following policy topics : • Healthy living and eating, question 8 • Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan , questions 12 & 13 • Environmental sustainability related efforts and support for funding , question 25 • Bicycle and pedestrian facilities use and funding , questions 26 , 27 , 28 • Neighborhood infrastructure needs , question 29 • Support for continuing to allow retail and medical marijuana businesses , question 30 • Social media infonnation sources , question 31 • Use ofblog and social networking sites, question 32 Questions that were added inc! ude: • Question 3, gauges reasons for living in Wheat Ridge • Question 19 , victim of a crime two-part question that can be cross-tabulated with existing question 18 • Demographic question 06, this question can be cross-tabulated with existing demographic questions RE Q UESTE D ACTI ON : Again , staff is looking for consensus on inclusion of the draft ~olicy questions as well as direction on the addition of any other questions at the May 19 1 study session. If you have any questions about the 2014 Citizen Survey prior to this meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me at 303-235-2826. /lung Attachment: 1. Draft 2014 Citizen Survey 2014 Wheat Ridge Citizen Survey Community and Services 1. Circle the number that best represents your opinion: 2. Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is likely to improve, stay the same, or decline over the next 5 y ears? D Improve a lot 0 Improve slightly D Stay the same D Decline slightly D Decline a lot 3. What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all that apply.) D I feel safe here 0 I like the school my children attend D My job is here 0 I like my neighborhood D I like the location in general D Taxes are reasonable 0 Housing and rental rates are affordable 0 I've always lived here D I have friends and family in the area D Cost of living is affordable D None of these 4. Please rate each of the foUowing characteristics as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole: Excellent ~ .&ir ~ Don'tknow 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 2 3 4 2 3 2 3 4 4 Wheat Ridge Citizen Survey Attachment 1 Page 1 of7 5. Following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please first rate the quality of each service and next rate the importance of each service. ~ Imeortance Don't \'cry Somewhat ot at all Don't Exr.:;~:lknr Good .Eaii Poor know E~~~,;nti!ll import!lni important imp Q[!anr know [Snow removal ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Street repair and maintenance ............................ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 [Street ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic enforcement ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 roo~~::~~~~~:::.~~ ... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 A nimal control.. .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 ~nd us~, p_lanning and ZQI}ing .......................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Building permits ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 fB-uildin2 ins ections ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Maintenance o f existing city park s .................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1.!\Jaintenance of open space and trails ............... 1 2 3 4 5 ,-. 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation p rograms ........................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 [Recreation facilities .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Community/ public art ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 ~-ervices/pro2taffis for \'outh ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Services/programs for seniors ........................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1,1\fllnicipal court .................................................... 1 2 3 5 ~ 1 2 3 4 5 4 Business expansion and recmitment programs .. 1 2 3 -+ 5 1 2 3 4 5 l9eneral police services ........................................ 1 2 3 4 _l_ ,- 1 2 3 4 5 Police response time to em erge ncy police calls (not code enforcement) .............. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 r~response time to non-emergency -,- lice calls not code enforcement) .............. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Crime prevention ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6. Overall, how would you rate the quality ofthe services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge? D Excellent 0 Good D Fair 0 Poor 0 Don't know 7. Please rate the following aspects of transportation within the City of Wheat Ridge: ~ EaY: ~ D on't know 3 2 __ ..:;.. 4 5 2 3 4 5 ___ 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 4 5 4 5 4 5 8. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members done each of the following. 1-2 3-12 13-2 6 tl [ore than ~ ~ ~ 26 times 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 Wheat Rid ge Citizen Survey Page 2 of7 1 I 9. In the last 12 months, about bow many times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the following activities in Wheat Ridge? 1-2 3-12 13-26 t-.Iore than Used a city bike/pedestrian path .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 ot Watched a meeting of local elected officials on cable television ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 ~ Visited the Active Adult Center .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 2 3 5 2 5 Ridden an RTD bus ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 10. Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. ~ m Made efforts to conserve water .................................................................................................................................. 1 2 Made efforts to make vour home more ener efficient ........................................................................................ t 2 Observed a code violation or other hazard in \Xfheat Ridge (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) ................... 1 2 Stocked su lies in re aration for an emer~nc ................................................................................................. 1 2 Campaigned or advocated for an issue, cause or candidate .................................................................................. 1 2 Contacted Wheat Rid elected officials in-erson hone, email or web to ex ress our o inion ............ t 2 11. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very Somewhat Somewhat Very D on't likely likely unlikely unlikely know in Wheat Rid to someone w.;;.;h~o....;;a"'sks='-.;.;;;"'""";.;;;'""""...;t ____ --='------...;;...----;._--_.;;---' 2 3 4 5 Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years .............................. 1 2 3 4 5 12. Please indicate how familiar or unfamiliar you are with the City's long-range planning efforts (including the comprehensive plan and sub-area plans). Sub-area planning (including Fruitdale, Northwest transit-oriented Very familiar development, Wadsworth Corridor and 38th Avenue Corridor Plan .............. 1 Parks and Recreation Master Plan ............................................................................. 1 Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan ..................................................................................... 1 Somewhat .familiru: 2 2 2 2 Somewhat Very unfamiliar unfamiliar 3-4 3 4 3 4 3 4 13. To what e"'tent do you support or oppose the overall direction provided in the City's long range planning documents? Somewhat either support Somewhat Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 \Vheat Ridge Citizen Survey Page 3 of7 City Government and Employees 14. How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city govemment? D Excellent D Good D Fair D Poor D Don't know 15. Please rate the following aspects of Wheat Ridge govemment performance. Excellent .G..Qilll 5W: £.QQr Don't !mow 2 3 -4 2 3 4 2 3 4 2 3 4 2 3 4 The job Wheat Ridge government does at welcoming citizen involvement ........ 1 2 3 4 16. In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with a City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)? D Yes (go to question 17) D o (go to question 18) 5 5 5 5 5 5 17. What was y our impression of the City of Wheat Ridge employee(s) overall? (Rate each characteristic below.) Exce ll ent .G..Qilll &i!; £Q.ru: Don 't know 18. owled ..................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Please rate how safe you feel in the following areas in Wheat Ridge: \'ery Somewhat . either safe lllk ~ DQt: ~~maf~ ounds ............................................ 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 Retail/ commercial areas ......................................... 1 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 Somewhat !!illJ!k 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 \'ery ~ 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Don't krulli 6 6 6 6 6 6 19. Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. _2.Q :lli Household member was a victim of a crime in \'\'heat Ridge ............................................................................... 1 2 Rep orted a crime to the police in \'('heat Ridge ....................................................................................................... 1 2 Economic Development 20. Please rate the following statements by circling the number which best represents yow opinion. The city should ... Strongly ~ areas .................. 1 Promote efforts to attract and recruit new types of retail business to Wheat Ridge ........................................................... 1 romote efforts to revitalize business corridors such as 381h Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and Somewhat ~ 2 2 2 2 either agree Somewhat Strongly nor disagree ~ ~ 3 4 5 3 4 5 3 4 5 3 4 5 2 3 4 Ki · Avenue ........................................................ ;.:. .. :.;,;"';,;,;",;.;;"·;.:.: .. o;,:":.:.;· .. ;.;.· .:.1 -------------~-.:......--5 D on't ~ 6 6 6 6 6 Wheat Rid ge Citizen Survey Pa ge 4 of7 21. For each type of shopping, please estimate how frequently you make purchases in Wheat Ridge: Very Somewhat Somewhat Don't infrequently infrequently frequently ............................ ! 2 3 4 Health services ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 en Household items .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 General retail (shoes, beauticians, clothing, etc.) ........... 1 2 3 4 5 6 22. When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside of Wheat Ridge? (Check aU that apply.) 0 Don't shop outside of Wheat Ridge 0 It is convenient; on my way to or from work or near my home 0 I like the range of quality goods and services 0 Desired item is not available in \Vheat Ridge 0 It is more affordable 0 Visit a mall or other major retailers 0 Other 23. To what extent do you agree or disagree that 38th Avenue between Sheridan and Wadsworth is the City's main street or downtown area? 0 Strongly agree 0 Somewhat agree 0 either agree nor disagree 0 Somewhat disagree 0 Strongly disagree 0 Don't know 24. During an average month, how many times, if ever, do you visit businesses on 38th Avenue between Sheridan and Wadsworth? 0 Every day Policy Topics 0 Several times a week 0 Once a week 0 1-3 times a month 0 ever 25. How important is it to you, if at all, that the City of Wheat Ridge dedicate funds to support each of the following environmental efforts? Essential ""'~'"''~ for residents ................................................................ 1 bli . "d I . Create a community-wide rebate program for residents who install solar ............................................................................................................ 1 Create incentives for homeowners to increase energy efficiency and b1 . th . h -~ 1 . -. . -'. . . Very important 2 2 2 Somewhat import.ant 3 3 ot at all Don't important 4 4 ~ 5 5 . : . ' Dedicate staff to implement, carry out and oversee projects and initiatives that support rl1e environment ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 26. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or another household member ridden a bicycle ... 2 times a week Once a month \Xfh ea t Rid ge Citizen Survey Page5of7 27. To what extent do you support or oppose the City of Wheat Ridge funding bicycle and pedestrian improvements throughout the city? 0 tro ngly 0 o mewh at 0 leithe r support 0 So m ewh at 0 trong ly 0 D o n't support support nor oppose oppose oppose know 28. To what extent do you support or oppose each of the following types of bicycle and pedestrian improvements? Str o ngly So me what eithe r supp ort So mewh at Strongly ~ ~ nor o pp ose ~ ~ Walking trail s .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Bike lanes .................................................................................................... 1 Bicycl e and pedes trian sig nag e ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 29. The City is considering investing funds to improve a variety of needs in existing neighborhoods in Wheat Ridge in order to create a friendly, safe and welcoming abnosphere, while preserving the uniqueness of each neighborhood. To what extent do you support or oppose the City investing funds in each ofthe following areas to improve neighborhoods in Wheat Ridge? Stro ngly So mew hat 1 eith er supp ort So mew hat Stro ngly 30. Currently, the City allows, in accordance with State law, recreational and medical marijuana businesses. To what extent do you support or oppose the City continuing to allow each of the following in Wheat Ridge? Strongly ~ ecreational marfuana stores ....................... -.......................... t Medical marijuana sto res ........................................................... 1 Information Sources So mew hat ~ 2 2 1either su ppo rt So mewhat D on't nor o ppose 3 3 4 6 31. In the last 12 montl1s, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members used the following sources of information for news about Wheat Ridge? 1-2 3-12 13-26 i\fore tha n lilllli .r.im§ tim es 26 ti mes 2 3 4 s Denver Post ................................................................................................................... } 2 3 4 5 3 3 3 4 5 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 Wh ea t Rid ge Ci tiz en Survey Page 6 of7 32. In a typical month, about how many times, if ever, do you use each of the following? 1-3 rimes ()nee a month Social networking site (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked In, Google Plus) .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Demographics Ow last questions are about you and your household J\gair.l, aD of yout responses to this survey are comp~ anonymous and will be m form onl . Dl. D2. D3 . D4. DS. D6. D7. DB. About how long have you lived in Wheat Ridge? (\X' rite 0 if six months or less) years In what city do you work? (If you work in more than one city, check the box for the city in which you most often work.) l:l Arvada l:l Louisville l:l Aurora l:l Northglenn l:l Boulder l:l Thornton l:l Broomfield l:l Westminster l:l Denver l:l Wheat Ridge l:l Englewood l:l Other l:l Golden l:l Do not work (s tudent, l:l Lakewood homemaker, retired, etc.) l:l Littleton Please check the appropriate box indicating the type of housing unit in which you live. l:l Detached single-family home l:l Condominiwn or townhouse l:l Apartment l:l f..Iobile home Do you live in senior housing such as an assisted- living or senior living community? l:l Yes l:l o Do you own or rent your residence? l:l Own l:l Rent About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners' associarion (HOA) fees)? l:l Less than · 300 per month l:l 300 to . 599 per month l:l 600 to 999 per month l:l $1,000 to 1,499 per month l:l . 1,500 to 2,499 per month l:l 2,500 or more per month How many people (including yourself) live in your household? How many of these household members are 17 or younger? ___ people ___ people D9. Please indicate the number of dogs and cats in your household. (Please write 0 if none.) lwnber of dogs __ _ wnber of cats Whcar Ridge Citizen Survey DlO. Dll. D12. What is the highest level of education you have completed? l:l 0-11 years l:l High school graduate l:l Some college, no degree l:l Associate degree l:l Bachelors degree l:l Graduate or professional degree How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.) l:l Less than 15,000 l:l 50,000 to 74,999 l:l $15,000 to 24,999 l:l 75,000 to 99,999 l:l 25,000 to 34,999 l:l 100,000 to 124,999 l:l $35,000 to 49,999 l:l 125,000 or more What is your age? l:l 18-24 l:l 45-54 l:l 75 + l:l 25-34 l:l 55-64 l:l 35-44 l:l 65-74 D13. What is your race? (Please check all that apply.) l:l White l:l Black or African American l:l Asian or Pacific Islander l:l American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut l:l Other D14. Are you Hispanic/Spanish/Latino? l:l Yes l:l o D15. What is your gender? l:l Female l:l Male D16. Did you vote in the last election? l:l Yes l:l o Thaak you very much! Pleue tletUID the completecl queetiODDaiteJ in the ,-tap-paid envdope providedt to: aticmal ReleU'dl ~Inc:,. 2955 Valmoot Road, Suite 500 BoUiclet, co 80301 Pagc7of7 .... ~~~ .. * r City of • YPf"Wheat:Bi_dge ~ARKS AND RECREATION Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council Patrick Goff, City Manager ~ THROUGH: FROM: Joyce Manwaring, Parks and Recreation Director DATE: May 19 ,2014 SUBJECT: Wheat Ridge Historical Society part-time position ISSUE: The City of Wheat Ridge is interested in funding a part-time paid position to act as a museum host and tour guide at the Wheat Ridge Historic Park , as well as help with the organization and filing of artifacts stored at the museum. A job description has been developed by staff, and reviewed and approved by Claudia Worth , Wheat Ridge Historical Society vice president and preservation specialist. PRIOR ACTION: City Council discussed support for the Historical Society at the April21 , 2014 study session . Staff received direction from City Council to create a job description for a part-time position at the museum to perform the duties as outlined above, to investigate additional funding and grant opportunities for the Historic Park and to create a five-year operating plan for the museum and park that includes an educational outreach program for local schools. The funding for a part-time position is the first step in providing support for the Historical Society. Investigation of additional funding and grant opportunities will be ongoing and the completion of a five-year operating plan will require additional resources and time in terms of contracting with a consultant to complete a plan. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The pay range for this position has been placed in the City 's part-time pay plan based on the duties outlined in the job description. The pay range for this position is recommended at $8.65 - $10.82 per hour. This range is consistent with other positions with similar duties and responsibilities in the part-time pay plan. The maximum cost for this position when calculated at the top of the range of $10.82 per hour, for 20 hours per week, June through November (26 weeks) totals $5 ,626. The individual hired would not automatically be hired at the top of the range , but at an hourly rate that matched their experience and skills. An amendment to the General Fund budget in the amount of $5 ,626 will be required if funding of the position is approved. Wheat Ridge Historical Society Part-time position May 19 ,2014 Page 2 BACKGROUND: The following is a description of the duties and responsibilities ofthe position: JOB DEFINITION: Perfonns a wide variety of administrative and clerical duties to help ensure the ongoing operation of the museum facilities and grounds , including providing regional and local historic information to the public; assists in regional and local historic research; organizes and keeps inventory of historic artifacts and conducts educational tours of museum . Responsible for staffing the museum at the Wheat Ridge Historic Park and Museum , answering questions , guiding tours , and providing miscellaneous services to visitors . Also responsible for filing and cataloguing donations with direction from volunteers . ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive: • Staffs the museum infonnation desk ; serves as initial point of contact with varied members of the public • Answers telephones , schedules tours and program participants and performs other receptionist duties as needed • Presents talks and leads tours providing general infonnation relating to the historical themes of the park. Creates exhibits as needed. Presents programs to children and assists teacher with their visit • Develops positive relations with visitors ; provides information concerning facility and program(s) to visitors The City allocates funding for the maintenance of the structures at the Historic Park. The 2014 appropriation is $49 ,384 and includes operating supplies , facility repair and maintenance costs as well as any scheduled capital improvement projects for all facilities. It also includes the costs for supervision of Richards Hart Estate rental events. This budget does not reflect the cost of park maintenance worker salaries for any of the work completed at these facilities. Prior to budget cuts in 2002 , the City appropriated funds in the amount of $11 ,000 for a part-time employee to work at the museum one day per week . The Baugh House, Sod House and Richards Hart Estate are listed on the National Register of Historic Places . REQUESTED ACTION: 1) Approval of funding for part-time position in the amount of$5,626 and to bring forward a General Fund budget amendment to a regular City Council meeting for approval 2) Direction on moving forward to develop a scope of work and fund a consultant to develop a five-year operating plan that includes programming, use of facilities , policy development on archive retention and recommendations on documentation and filing Colorado's Experience with de facto Legalization of Retail Sales after "Medical" Marijuana Expansion post-2009 » 2 00 6-2012: Me d ica l MJ ca rdhold e r s ro se fro m 1,000 to over 108,000 » Licensed dispensaries rose from :!ero t o 5 3 2 MJ Use Among Colorado Teens ... So ur ce : Healthy Kids Colorado, » Fifth highest in the nati on » 50°/o above the nation a l average » If Denver were a state, it would have the highest public high school pa st- month use rates in th e country 35 30 25 Percent difference between national and Col orad o past-month teen marijuana u s age averag e s » 29°/o above national average in 2011 20 15 10 5 0 ..J..__ __ Source : HHS (NSDUH) Z OOfi 2011 » 9°/o above national avera ge in 2006 7 4°/o of Denve r -a rea teens in treatment said they used somebody els e's medical marijuana an average of 50 times Source : Salomonsen-Sautel eta!., 2012 MJ-related ER visits for childre under five rose by 200°/o Traffic fatalities involving drugged drivers between 2006 and 2012 Source: Thurstone, 2013 rose from 7.1 °/o in 2008 to 13°/o in 2011 While the total number of car crashes declined between 2007 and 2011 .... 850 800 750 700 650 600 550 500 +---~~--~--~-- ... the number of fatal car crashers with drivers testing positive for MJ rose sharply during those same years. Source: CO Dept of Transportation AM ~~;;aches to ..._....__ Manjuana a project of the policy solutions lab wvvw.learnaboutsam .org 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Execu tive Su mmary: Strategic Plan 20 14 -2019 -2025/Mayor and City Council/Wheat Ri dge, Colorado I Wheat Ridge Vision 2025 WHEAT RIDGE is a BEAUTIFUL CITY <A> and a COMMUNITY FOR FAMILIES.<B> WHEAT RIDGE has GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS,<C) VIBRANT ACTIVITY CENTERS (D ) and MULTI MODAL TRANSPORTATION. <E> WHEAT RIDGE RESIDENTS enjoy an ACTIVE, HEALTHY LIFE STYLE,<F> and HOMETOWN FEELING AND PRIDE. cc> WHEAT RIDGE- A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE! ~· --__ "; -----· ----. --------.... Copyright <0 2010: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc . 14-MARCH-20 Jefferson County Moratorium on Retail Marijuana 1. Adult and Youth Marijuana Use: Factors that affect the rate of adult and youth marijuana use in a community: a. Price. Keep it as high as possible. b. Availability. Reduce availability including ease of obtaining and time required. c. Perception of risk. Increase the perception of risk of physical or mental adversity to an individual, and potential of getting into trouble. d. Public attitude. Tolerant public attitudes lead to increased use. Public attitudes include family/friends, community, county and city, state and country. NOTE: Retail sales and cu ltivation outlets negatively impact all four of the above factors. Jefferson County leadership wiH be sending the wrong message to young adults and youth. 2. Cartel Involvement: There is a concern that drug cartels will use one of their primary sources of income-extortion-to take control of the retail stores and cultivation sites. There is substantial money to be made from this federally-illegal industry which includes diverting the marijuana to other states in the country. It is highly unlikely that drug cartels are going to forego this lucrative opportunity that eliminates much of the risk dealing from Mexico into the United States. The retail operations and their security would be no match for cartels. Law enforcement will never know the full extent, since retail owners would be reluctant to report for fear of their lives and that of their families . There would be nothing positive about having cartel and Mexican DTO involvement in a community. In 2012, the Drug Enforcement Administration -Denver Field Office reported "Information reported suggests that members of known criminal groups are involved in Colorado 's medical marijuana industry. These individuals are affiliated with traditional drug-trafficking organizations, as well as ethic organized-crime organizations." 3. Quality of Life: Jefferson County is considered a desirable environment for families and businesses because of the quality of life. That reputation could be tainted with the legalization of marijuana retail stores, marijuana cultivation sites, and marijuana manufacturers of edibles. Polls suggest that Coloradoans believe legal marijuana taints Colorado 's image. There could be a negative impact on a) property values; b) education system; c) businesses and industry; d) perception of a family-friendly environment; e) attracting families and family-friendly businesses; and e) crime. NOTE: Currently there is no way to measure the potential impact or lack of impact in the above areas. The only way to make an informed decision related to those issues is to extend the moratorium for several years and then look at the impact in those communities who have legalized the industry. That would give JeffCo leadership the ability to make an informed decision based on data and facts, not rhetoric. 4. Cost Analysis: If alcohol and tobacco are models for legalizing marijuana,. then a serious cost analysis needs to be conducted to compare potential revenue to potential cost. In the case of alcohol and tobacco, the damage done by these two drugs show that tax revenue only covers about 10 to 12 percent. That is called "blind-side" economics and not a good investment for a community. 5. Dlegal: For the Jefferson County Commissioners to license individuals to traffic in marijuana is illegal and a felony . Regardless of whether this administration has elected to enforce its laws, the possession, possession for sale, sale, cultivation~ etc. of marijuana is against federal law and a felony. To aid and abet or conspire to enable another person to commit a felony is in itself a felony. Federal law supersedes state law. Would we advise our youth that it is okay to violate the law as long as it's not currently being enforced. 6. Option: The Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA), administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), published a document called "The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact" This document, released in August of2013, reports comparable data with the impact of marijuana legalization on · • Traffic fatalities • Youth marijuana use • Adult marijuana use • Emergency room admissions • Marijuana-related exposure cases • Diversion of marijuana outside the state RMHIDT A is in the process of completing another report, which is due the beginning of summer 2014 and another about the same time in 2015. It is recommended that the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors extend the moratorium through 2015. 1bis will give the leadership an opportunity of examining the impact not only in Colorado but in some of the communities such as Denver and Boulder with retail stores, cultivation sites and edible factories operate within the community. This will give the leadership the ability to make an infmmed decision based on truthful data and facts and not rhetoric or suppositions. Licensing Marijuana Establishments in Jefferson County Potentiai Negative Consequences ~ ; . . . . .. ' .. . .. Pote~tiai .Positive Conseq-qences . : .. ·.. . . ( • Increase marijuana use among all ages since • Revenue for Open Space and roads . retail stores impact the four factors that affect rate of drug use: • Provide some jobs . 1. Price 2 . Availability • Vote of the people . 3. Risk • Health Getting in trouble I • 4. Public acceptance • Increase impaired driving • Federally, to license individuals to traffic in marijuana, is illegal and a felony . I • Increase emergency room adm issions . • Diversion of marijuana to other states or those under 21 (create black market) • Costs, including policing, far outweigh any tax revenue. • Adverse impact on education system . • Gang and cartel involvement. • Property values decline . • Negative impact on businesses and drug free workplace. • Adversely affect the image of Jefferson County being family-friendly environment and quality of life . • Crime increase . • Wrong message to youth regarding dr ug abuse and respect for law. • A -64 provided right to use marijuana but option ' i whether to allow marijuana businesses . I ManJuana use mvolved in more fatal accidents in Colorado http://www.eurekalert.org/pub _releases/20 14-05 /uocd-mui051514.php I of2 PUBUC RELEASE DATE: 15-May-2014 [ Print I E-mail ] D Share [ Close Window ] dBack To EankAied! Contact: Mark Couch mark .couch@ucdenver.edu 303-724-5377 Univers ity of Colorado Denver Marijuana use involved in more fatal accidents in Colorado AURORA, Colo. (May 15, 2014)-The proportion of marijuana-positive drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes in Colorado has increased dramatically since the commercialization of medical marijuana in the middle of 2009, according to a study by University of Colorado School of Medicine researchers." With data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System covering 1994 to 2011, the researchers analyzed fatal motor vehicle crashes in Colorado and in the 34 states that did not have medical marijuana laws, comparing changes over time in the proportion of drivers who were marijuana-positive and alcohol- impaired. The researchers found that fatal motor vehicle crashes in Colorado involving at least one driver who tested positive for marijuana accounted for 4.5 percent in the first six months of 1994; this percentage increased to 10 percent in the last six months of 2011. They reported that Colorado underwent a significant increase in the proportion of drivers in a fatal motor vehicle crash who were marijuana-positive after the commercialization of medical marijuana in the middle of 2009. The increase in Colorado was significantly greater compared to the 34 non-medical marijuana states from mid-2009 to 2011. The researchers also reported no significant changes over time in the proportion of drivers in a fatal motor vehicle crash who were alcohol-impaired within Colorado and comparing Colorado to the 34 non-medical marijuana states. Stacy Salomonsen-Sautel, Ph.D, who was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pharmacology, is the lead author of the study, which is available online in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Christian Hopfer, MD, associate professor of psychiatry, is the senior author. Salomonsen-Sautel said the study raises important concerns about the increase in the proportion of drivers in a fatal motor vehicle crash who were marijuana-positive since the commercialization of medical marijuana in Colorado, particularly in comparison to the 34 non-medical marijuana states. While the study does not determine cause and effect relationships, such as whether marijuana-positive drivers caused or contributed to the fatal crashes, it indicates a need for better education and prevention programs to curb impaired driving. ### Other researchers from the School of Medicine who are authors of the study are Sung-Joon Min, Ph.D, Joseph T. Sakai, M.D., and Christian Thurstone, M.D .. The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine work to advance science and improve care. These faculty members include physicians, educators and scientists at University of Colorado Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver Health, National Jewish Health, and the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The school is located on the Anschutz Medical Campus, one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system. To learn more about the medical school's care, education, research and community engagement, visit its web site. 5/19/2014 10:32 AM I of2 http ://www.medscape.com /viewarticle/8204 50 _print www.medscape .com Increase in Child Pot Exposures Linked to Decriminalization Jennifer Garcia February 11 , 2014 The incidence of pediatric marijuana exposure has increased between 2005 and 2011 in states that have passed marijuana legislation , according to a study pub li shed o nlin e February 7 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine . Researchers evaluated data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers National Poison Data System from between January 1, 2005 , and December 31 , 2011 , and found that the call rate for unintentional marijuana exposure among children younger than 9 years increased by 30 .3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.5%-38 .5%) in states where laws decriminal izing marijuana use had been passed . The rate was unchanged in states with no marij uana legislation and trended toward an increase of 11 .5% per year (95% Cl , -0.4% to 24 .7%) in transitional states . I, GeorgeS. Wang, MD , from the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver, Colorado, and colleagues documented 985 unintentional marijuana exposures and found the median age range to be 1.5 to 2 .0 years . "States were considered nonlegal if they had not passed legislation up through 2012 and decriminalized if they passed laws before 2005 (Alaska , California , Colorado , Hawaii , Maine, Nevada , Oregon, Vermont , and Washington). States that enacted legislation between 2005 and 2011 were analyzed as transitional states (Arizona, Michigan, Montana , New Mexico , and Rhode Island)." Among all exposures , 496 occurred in nonlegal states , 93 occurred in transitional states , and 396 occurred in decriminalized states. The researchers found that accidental ingestion was the most common route of exposure (78%); however, it was not documented whether this was ingestion of a food product or of marijuana intended for smoking . Symptoms of children exposed to marijuana varied but were primarily neurologic , with effects lasting less than 24 hours in the majority of cases. The study authors note that patients evaluated in decriminalized states were more li kely to have major or moderate effects (odds ratio [OR], 2.1 ; 95% Cl , 1.4-3.1) and a greater likelihood of being admitted to a critical care un it (OR , 3.4 ; 95% Cl , 1.8-6 .5) when compared with patients in nonlegal states . The researchers hypothes ize that because most exposures were the result of ingestion and were associated with greater clinical effects in decriminalized states , edible marijuana products likely played a significant role. The authors d iscuss a recently published case se ri es of accidental marijuana ingestion that showed that the majority of exposures were a result of ingestion of medical marijuana packaged in the form of a food product . "These edible products are often ind istinguishable from non-marijuana-containing food products , are highly attractive and palatable to children , and can conta in very high amounts of tetrahydrocannabino l (1 00 to 500 mg)," the authors write. Lim itations to the study include the fact that not all cases are likely reported to the National Poison Data System and that caregivers in decriminalized states may be more likely to call poison centers or seek healthcare than those in non legal states. In addition , confirmatory testing was not performed on all exposures. "Ongoing surveillance is cruc ial in assess ing the marijuana industry's effect on children and evaluating preventive efforts as it continues to expand ," Dr. Wang and colleagues write . "We believe state lawmakers should consider requ irements , such as child-res istant packag ing , warn ing labe ls , and public educat ion , when drafting marijuana legislation to minimize the effect on ch ildren ." The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships . Ann Emerg Med. Published onl ine February 7 , 2014. Full t ext 5/19/2 0 14 10:33 AM • At..DIJ The Big Story Search form Search I • Home • Latest News Colorado deaths stoke worries abJut pot edibles By SADIE GURMAN -Apr. 18, 2014 5:33PM EDT Edible marijuana products are pictured on display at a medical marijuana dispensary in Denver on Friday, April18 , 2014. Many of the items are far more potent than a single marijuana joint. Two recent deaths have raised concerns about Colorado's recreational marijuana industry and the effects of the drug, especially since cookies, candy and other pot edibles can be exponentially more potent than a smoked joint. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski) • A caregiver points out the strength of an edible marijuana candy bar at a medical marijuana dispensary in Denver on Friday, April18, 2014. In its entirety the candy bar is as strong at 30 marijuana joints. Two recent deaths have raised concerns about Colorado's recreational marijuana industry and the effects of the drug, especially since cookies, candy and other pot edibles can be exponentially more potent than a smoked joint. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski) DENVER (AP)-A college student eats more than the recommended dose of a marijuana-laced cookie and jumps to his death from a hotel balcony. A husband with no lVstory of violence is accused of shooting his wife in the head, possibly after eating pot-infused candy. The two recent deaths have stoked concerns about Colorado's recreational marijuana industry and the effects of the drug, especially since cookies, candy and other pot edibles can be exponentially more potent than a joint. "We're seeing hallucinations, they become sick to their stomachs, they throw up, they become dizzy and very anxious," said AI Bronstein, medical director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center. Studies are mixed about whether there is any link between marijuana and violence. Still, pot legalization opponents said the deaths are a sign of future dangers. Twenty-six people have reported poisonings from marijuana edibles this year, when the center started tracking such exposures. Six were children who swallowed innocent-looking edibles, most of which were in plain sight. Five of those kids were sent to emergency rooms, and two to hospitals for intensive care, Bronstein said. Children were nauseous and sleepy, and doctors worried about their respiratory systems shutting down. Supporters of the pot law and some experts counter that alcohol causes far more problems among users, and the issues with pot can be largely addressed through better regulations. The deaths occurred as Colorado lawmakers are scrambling to create safety regulations for the largely unmonitored marijuana snacks. On Thursday, the Legislature advanced a package of bills that would lower the amount of THC that could be permitted in a serving of food and require more extensive warning labels. "It really is time for regulators, and the industry, to look at how do we move forward more responsibly with edible products," said Brian Vicente, who helped lead the state's legalization campaign. An autopsy report listed marijuana intoxication as a significant contributing factor in the death of 19-year-old Levy Thamba Pongi. Authorities said Pongi, who traveled from Wyoming to Denver with friends to try marijuana, ate six times more than the amount recommended by a seller. In the moments before his death, he spoke erratically and threw things around his hotel room. Toxicologists later found that the cookie Pongi ate contained as much THC-marijuana's intoxicating chemical -as six high-quality joints. Less is known about Richard Kirk, 47, who was charged in Denver with shooting his .44-year-old wife to death while she was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher. Police said his wife reported that her husband had consumed marijuana-laced candy, but no information has been released about potency. The public defender's office has declined comment on the allegations against Kirk. "Sadly, we're going to start to understand over time all of the damage and all of the problems associated with marijuana," said Thornton police Sgt. Jim Gerhardt, speaking in his capacity as a board member of the Colorado Drug Investigators Association. "It's going to dispel the myth that there's no downside, that there's no side effect, to this drug. It's sad that people are going to have to be convinced with the blood of Coloradans." State lawmakers last year required edible pot to be sold in "serving sizes" of 10 milligrams of THC. Lawmakers also charged marijuana regulators with setting potency-testing guidelines to ensure consumers know how much pot they're eating. The guidelines are slated to be unveiled next month. For now, the industry is trying to educate consumers about the strength of pot-infused foods and warning them to wait up to an hour to feel any effects before eating more. Still, complaints from visitors and first-time users have been rampant. "One of the problems is people become very impatient," Bronstein said. "They eat a brownie or a chocolate chip cookie and they get no effect, so then they stack the doses, and all the sudden, they get an extreme effect that they weren't expecting." Last year, the poison center run by Bronstein received 126 calls concerning adverse reactions to marijuana. So far this year -after pot sales became legal on Jan. 1 -the center has gotten 65 calls. Bronstein attributed the spike to the higher concentrations of THC in marijuana that has become available. Although millions of Americans have used pot without becoming violent, Bronstein said such behavior is possible depending on the type of hallucinations a user experiences. Toxicologists say genetic makeup , health issues and other factors also can make a difference. "With these products, everybody is inexperienced," Bronstein said. "It's the fust time people have been able to buy it in a store. People need to be respectful of these products." Associated Press writers Kristen Wyatt and Nicholas Riccardi contributed to this report Proposed 2014 Citizens Survey Question How important is it to you that the city engage in the following government transparency initiatives? Essential-Very Important-Somewhat Important-Not at all important-Don't Know -Public comment at study sessions -Video recording and publishing of regular council meetings -Video recording and publishing of regular council study sessions -Recording of minutes of the City Council Retreat Study Session -Having the city register (i.e. the city checkbook) published to the public and/or online Please contact Jesse Hill , 303-725-9530 or jessehillpe@gmail.com with any questions.