Council OKs first reading of cannabis zoning ordinance

The Worthington City Council on Monday night – as part of a meeting that barely exceeded 20 minutes – approved the first reading of a cannabis zoning ordinance.

The ordinance, which is separate from another cannabis-related ordinance that had its third and final required reading approved Monday, would establish that all cannabis businesses in any zoning district would require a conditional use permit. The cannabis zoning ordinance also limits manufacturing-type uses to industrial districts, retail-related uses to commercial district, and prohibits cannabis

businesses in residential districts. The proposed ordinance also establishes a 200-foot buffer from schools and attractions within public parks regularly used by minors including playgrounds and athletic fields.

The other cannabis-related ordinance on Monday’s council agenda has to do with the registration process for businesses, fees, enforcement, penalties, hours of operation restrictions and other requirements.

In a separate matter, council members approved a residential property tax abatement program application submitted by Marco Ramos, who plans to build a new two-family home on Cecilee Street. The action came following a public hearing during which there were no comments received from those attending Monday’s meeting.

The council on Monday night also took a step forward with four separate engineering projects.

The first of the four projects addressed was the planned Centennial Trail reconstruction, which has been scheduled as part of the city’s 2025 Capital Improvement Plan. The plans and specifications for the work were approved and advertisement for bids authorized. They’ll be received at 2 p.m. on March 19 and considered for award at the March 24 council meeting.

Plans and specifications for the East Ninth Avenue full reconstruction project were also approved Monday evening. That project includes installation of a sanitary sewer main and service hook-ups, water main and service hook-ups and street improvements. Bids will be received at 2:30 p.m. on March 20 and also considered for award at the March 24 council meeting.

Third among the projects moving forward was the Murray Avenue reconstruction project. This work will extend from Nobles Street to the East Dead End and include improvements related to sanitary services, curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveways, base reconstruction and bituminous surfacing. Bids will be received at 2 p.m. on March 20 and considered for award March 24.

The fourth and final project addressed Monday is Sixth Avenue work between 11th and 14th streets and includes improvements pertaining to water main, sanitary sewer main, storm sewer main, sanitary services, base reconstruction, bituminous surfacing, curb and gutter, driveways and sidewalk. Bids will be received at 2:30 p.m. on March 20 and considered for award March 24.