North Carson pot shop proposal heads to supervisors

A proposal to allow pot shops along North Carson Street that resulted in a close planning commission vote in January will be taken up by the Board of Supervisors at its Thursday meeting, which starts at 8:30 a.m. in the community center.

Supervisors will decide if retail marijuana stores and medical dispensaries should be allowed in the retail commercial zone along a section of North Carson Street that is north of Winne Lane, west of Hot Springs Road and south of Arrowhead Drive and Medical Parkway.

Currently, marijuana stores are allowed in general commercial and general industrial zones along a portion of South Carson Street and the eastern stretch of Highway 50. The applicant, Green Thumb Industries, owns the RISE dispensary in south Carson and has been seeking a location for a second store. Strict location requirements for marijuana stores — including separation requirements from schools (1,000 feet) and residential zones (300 feet) — have been in place since 2014. Last year, the Board of Supervisors voted to allow four retail pot shops in the city, matching the number of licenses allowed under state law. They didn’t change location requirements, however.

On Jan. 25, in a roll call vote, planning commissioners voted 4-3 to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance for North Carson Street with an amendment to set the northern boundary of the location requirements at Medical Parkway and Arrowhead Drive. Planning Commissioners Rick Perry, Teri Preston and Ellen Dechristopher voted against the measure.

In other action:

• Supervisors will consider an approximately $328,343 settlement payout from Walmart regarding opioid-related claims brought by the State of Nevada.

According to a staff summary prepared by the Carson City District Attorney’s Office, the State of Nevada will receive $32 million by the large retailer as part of a $2.4 billion global settlement.

“Under the terms of the proposed settlement agreement, Carson City would agree to release and forever discharge its ‘Released Claims,’ as defined in the settlement agreement, in exchange for Walmart's payment of $32,231,037.17 to the State of Nevada to be allocated among the state and participating political subdivisions in accordance with the terms of the One Nevada Agreement,” reads the summary.

• Supervisors will consider accepting a nearly $1.9 million grant for water rights at Buzzy’s Ranch and a $2.4 million grant for the Carson River Trails Phase III – Prison Hill West Project.

Both federal grants stem from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. The Buzzy’s Ranch grant, to purchase water rights to enhance the wetlands, has a $50,000 local match that would come from Carson City quality-of life funds.

“The award for the Carson River Trails Phase III – Prison Hill West Project does not include a cash match, but the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department would commit $17,500 in staff time towards the project,” reads a staff summary.

• Supervisors will be asked to adopt, on second reading, a proposed ordinance revising rates and fees at the Carson City Landfill. The new rates were approved, on first reading, in February and would take effect in July.

Under the new ordinance, the rate for Carson residents disposing of solid waste will increase from $24 a ton to $30 a ton, with a $10 minimum charge remaining the same. The out-of-city fee for solid waste will increase from $58 a ton to $74 ton, with the minimum charge rising from $30 to $42.

Supplemental charges also will be added to some items. Appliances with refrigerants, for example, will cost $25 for Carson residents to dispose of and $50 for those out of city. Tire disposal will depend on tire size and range from $7 each to $30 each for residents or double the price for out-of-city customers.

Supervisor Stacey Giomi was the lone vote against the new rates in February.