Chester council approves adult-use cannabis sales Commissioners divided; mayor casts deciding vote
The Chester City Council has authorized the legal sale of adult-use cannabis last week by the narrowest of margins.
Commissioners were deadlocked in a 4-4 tie, and so Mayor Tom Page cast the deciding "yes" vote.
Aldermen Dan Ohlau, J.D. Maes, Dan Geisen and Randy Dudenbostel were in favor, while Aldermen Robert Platt, Russell Rader, D. Michael Blechle and Ray Allison voted against.
In voting to approve sales, Chester is the only city in Randolph County to permit legal sales. Sparta, Red Bud and Steeleville all rejected the idea earlier this year.
A dispensary will be authorized to sell all types of cannabis products from marijuana flower to edibles to tinctures to anyone over the age of 21. Thirty-seven Illinois dispensaries opened on Jan. 1 - all of them places that were already licensed to sell medical marijuana.
The state has received more than 700 applications from people who wish to open dispensaries.
Clara Loucks, a licensed cannabis distributor who operates a dispensary in Anna, told the council that Chester could see a big increase in tax revenue by allowing cannabis sales, especially given chester's proximity to Missouri.
Out-of-state residents are allowed to buy half of what in-state residents can buy, or 15 grams, and are subject to their home state's laws concerning possession and use.
In making his case, Page reminded the council that Chester has lost several businesses this past year, including the Chester Dairy and this could help pick up the lost revenue.
Page added that he grew up in a time when the stereotypical marijuana user was undesirable, but said times have changed and marijuana is now as legal as drinking a beer.
Alderman Mike Blechle, who voted no, said he has been threatened with political retribution if he didn't support marijuana sales in Chester, and people have threatened to vote him out.
Blechle added that as an Alderman for 40 years, he cannot in good conscience vote for something he feels will cause further deterioration to the city.
City Attorney Jeff Kerkhover said the next step is for the council to approve rules on how a cannabis related businesses may operate. The ordinance will need to take into consideration specifics such as zoning concerns, the number of licenses, and other issues.
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Street Superintendent Steve Renner requested a new vehicle lift for the maintenance department, at a cost of $15,865. The lift, which would be installed by city personnel, would be able to lift 15 tons, he said. The council gave its approval.