The City Council Monday night approved the first reading of a law that would permanently ban the cultivation, distribution and delivery of medical marijuana in Seal Beach. No one spoke for or against the issue at the public hearing. Earlier this month, the council approved an urgency ordinance that banned medical marijuana–but urgency ordinances are temporary.
The medical pot ban will return to the council for a second reading and publication before it becomes a permanent part of the city code.
• The council also adopted guidelines for the preservation of historic buildings. The guidelines do not prevent property owners from replacing buildings that may be considered historic if they wish to do so. The staff report listed 20 buildings that are considered “potential” historic resources. The Red Car Museum tops the list. The list also includes the Girl Scout House on Seventh Street, the Blue Cottage on the Greenbelt, Walt’s Warf and the Bay Theatre.
• City Treasurer/Finance Director Vikki L. Beatley confirmed that that the city did not achieve the small budget surplus projected at the start of the year because of budget amendments.
• Councilman Gary Miller asked for an agenda item to discuss hiring a new firm to audit the city’s financial records.
