GONZALES — The Gonzales City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would allow the Agricultural Industrial Park to be expanded out to Gonzales River Road on Oct. 2.
The City Council considered extending the boundary of the Agricultural Industrial Park because of medical marijuana businesses that wanted to come in to the area. The item was originally on the Sept. 18 council meeting and was tabled due to a letter received from Anthony Lambordo, an attorney representing Taylor Farms.
“I have had the opportunity to review the Lombardo letter and there’s nothing in that letter to lead me to believe that council could not move forward with the action of their choice,” said City Attorney Michael Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said there was an additional letter sent to the city on Sept. 25 and analysis of that letter was not complete by the first reading of the medical marijuana boundary reading. Rodriguez said he would have that analysis for the next reading of the resolution.
Attorney Dale Ellis came to the Gonzales City Council meeting on behalf of Lombardo and Taylor Farms.
“Taylor Farms is still concerned and still objects to this expansion,” said Ellis. “We believe that it is not properly in front of the council on a procedural basis.”
Ellis also said there was not recommendation by the Planning Commission and no analysis by the California Environmental Act. Ellis also spoke about the ordinance that had been in place for a year that allowed three permits for medical marijuana and that those permits had already been issued.
Brent Machaugey, the property owner of 45 Gonzales River Road, had made the request for the boundary line to be moved.
“We feel that our property value will increase based on the opportunity that could come to the city and for us as property owners,” said Machaugey. “We’re also asking for equal opportunity for the businesses opportunity that could be brought forth from this property line move.”
According to City Manager Rene Mendez, there have been three conditional use permits that were issued by the Planning Commission that were challenged and no regulatory permits have been issued.
