SUISUN CITY – Landscaping, safety and advertising were the issues raised at the city council meeting on Tuesday during a public hearing and discussion of three resolutions for approval by the council regarding cannabis.
Shryne Group Inc. is considering opening a pharmacy and distribution center on Railroad Avenue.
Proposals covered business permit and site plans, changing the urban area map to add a cannabis zone, and approving a development agreement.
They were passed unanimously and will return to the Council in the New Year.
The Shryne Group already operates in California. The company plans to move to the building at 521 Railroad Ave. to operate under the name Authentic 707.
“It is the first cannabis application to be processed,” said John Kearns, senior planner for Suisun City.
The city council has voted to allow three cannabis companies in the city.
Returning Alderman Mike Hudson wanted to know if traffic through the company had increased. Did the city council have the opportunity to withdraw its approval?
The Shryne Group must renew its permit annually, Kearns said.
Hudson was also concerned about Grange Middle School students having access to Authentic 707 when going to and from campus.
Brian Mitchell of the Shryne Group and Vice Mayor Wanda Williams assured Hudson that security was tight and that students would not have access.
Resident Steve Olry wanted to know what impact the company could have on what he called “already skeletal police”.
Police Chief Aaron Roth has reviewed the security plan and stated that the site would be safe around the clock. He said he didn’t think the deal would harm the police for security reasons.
There were also questions about how tall the trees will be that surround the property. The city can dictate these terms as things move on.
Mitchell said the company’s biggest advertisement was word of mouth. Once the deal is open, “the word will spread quickly,” he said.
He said the state placed the kibosh on cannabis billboards. The one on Highway 12 and Marina Boulevard for a pharmacy in Rio Vista needs to come down.
Williams, who visited Davis Pharmacy operated by the Shryne Group, said her experience was similar to visiting an Apple store.
The cannabis really is no different from other companies operating in Suisun City, said Mayor Lori Wilson.
This version corrects the location of the store visited by Vice Mayor Wanda Williams.