CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
November 13, 2023
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
401 Grove Street, Healdsburg .
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Kelley called to order the meeting of the City Council of the City of Healdsburg at 5:00 p.m. with the following Council Members present:
Present: Council Members: Edwards, Hagele, Herrod, Mitchell and Mayor Kelley
Absent: Council Members: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, approved the November 13, 2023, City Council meeting agenda as submitted. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS – HEARING TO CONSIDER RETAIL CANNABIS BUSINESS
APPLICATIONS
Mayor Kelley introduced the item for discussion and provided a brief overview of how the flow of the meeting would go.
Assistant City Manager Sturmfels stated the action this evening was to hold a public hearing to consider adopting a resolution awarding two retail cannabis business permits. Assistant City Manager Sturmfels provided background information on cannabis regulatory program development items completed to date, outlined the application process for retail cannabis business applicants and stated the applicants and the proposed locations of the cannabis business for each applicant.
Assistant City Manager Sturmfels further reviewed the proposed locations of the cannabis businesses, provided information on the review process the applications underwent during the application period, reviewed the applicants scoring by phase and the scoring guidelines for the applicant interviews.
Assistant City Manager Sturmfels provided a high-level review of each applicant, including the proposed location, the type of cannabis business they applied for; retail only, delivery, and/or microbusiness, the current number of cannabis businesses they operate and the areas where each applicant scored well and areas where each applicant did not score well. Assistant City Manager City Council Special Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2023
Sturmfels reviewed how the public hearing process would go, including allowing each applicant eight minutes to present to Council and taking public comment at the end of the presentations prior to Council deliberation.
Applicant Presentations
465 Retail LLC (DBA Solful)
Eli Melrod, CEO and Cofounder of Solful, introduced Mercedes Clark, potential Customer Experience Manager who would be presenting with him. Mr. Melrod provided background information on Solful, how they source their product, reviewed their proposed business concept, community partners they support, the proposed location of 465 Retail LLC and explained the overall fit for the business locating in Healdsburg.
Mercedes Clark, proposed Customer Experience Manager, provided information on the community engagement 465 Retail LLC completed during the application process.
Chroma Inc. (DBA Thi Wellness)
Josh Black, COO of Element Seven introduced Bianca Nicastro and Thien Nga Thi Tran, coowners of Thi Wellness. Mr. Black provided background information on Ms. Nicastro’s and Ms.
Tran’s business experience, reviewed the proposed operation of Chroma Inc., the project financing, and the proposed business concept for Healdsburg. Mr. Black further reviewed the proposed location of Chroma Inc., the proposed community engagement plan and what makes Chroma Inc, a good fit for Healdsburg.
Garden Parc LLC (DBA Sparc)
Erin Gore introduced Erich Pearson and herself as the representatives of Garden Parc LLC. Ms.
Gore provided information on how she got into cannabis, why she selected Garden Parc LLC as a partner in their application, reviewed the community support they would provide and noted the financial position of Garden Parc LLC. Ms. Gore further reviewed the proposed location, overall fit of Garden Parc LLC. to Healdsburg, the community outreach completed during the application process, commented on Garden Parc LLC’s disqualification from the application process and spoke to the community support for Garden Parc LLC.
JF Healdsburg (DBA Jane)
Jamie Shira President and co-owner of Jane Dispensary provided information on locations Jane has successfully operated businesses in, reviewed the community engagement Jane has completed, and shared the proposed location of JF Healdsburg and the values of JF Healdsburg.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2023
Michael Thomsen, owner, and Board of Director Member commented on his experience in the cannabis business and provided information on the financial position of JF Healdsburg.
Leigh Anne Baker, Chief Operating Officer for Jane Dispensary provided information of her experience in cannabis and the overall business concept of JF Healdsburg.
KURE Wellness SPC (DBA Kure Wellness)
Russell Green owner of KURE Wellness provided information on his experience in the cannabis business and introduced his attorney Lauren Mendelson who would be presenting with him this evening.
Ms. Mendelson provided information on KURE Wellness’ financial position, the proposed business concept, reviewed the proposed location of KURE Wellness, the community engagement they would undertake if selected and community engagement they have completed in Mendocino County. Ms. Mendelson further reviewed the overall fit KURE Wellness would be to Healdsburg if selected.
Mercy Wellness Healdsburg
Brandon Levine CEO and co-applicant of Mercy Healdsburg provided information on his background living in Healdsburg, his experience in the cannabis industry, the financial position of Mercy and the current locations Mercy operates in. Mr. Levine further reviewed the proposed location of Mercy Healdsburg and commented on an anonymous mailer that was circulated in the community.
Felicia Accomazzo co-applicant of Mercy Healdsburg commented on how she was introduced to cannabis, her experience with Mercy, the business concept of Mercy Healdsburg, how Mercy Healdsburg would fit into the City and the community engagement Mercy has completed.
OTC Healdsburg LLC (DBA Off the Charts)
Sean Maddocks introduced Hakika Keith and Adam Mernit who would be representing OTC Healdsburg LLC. Mr. Maddocks provided information on Off the Charts experience in the cannabis industry, how many store fronts Off the Charts currently operates and the business model of Off the Charts. Mr. Maddocks reviewed the proposed location of OTC Healdsburg LLC, potential site improvements they would make, and the financial position of Off the Charts.
Ms. Keith provided information on the customer experience at Off the Charts, the proposed business model for Healdsburg and community engagement they would undertake in Healdsburg if selected.
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Adam Mernit provided information on potential community partners they would support if selected and how OTC Healdsburg would be a good fit for Healdsburg.
Sonoma CHO (DBA Flora Terra)
Alicia Wingard introduced David Wingard as co-owner of Sonoma CHO. Ms. Wingard provided information on current business operations, the ownership group, commented on the financial position of Sonoma CHO, reviewed the proposed location of Sonoma CHO and the proposed model for Sonoma CHO. Ms. Wingard further reviewed the community engagement undertaken and future plans if selected, the business model, and plans for the proposed retail operation.
Public Comments
Omar Medina on behalf of the Elsie Allen High School Foundation, commented on Flora Terra’s support for the community and expressed his support for the application submitted by Flora Terra.
Mike Strykowski commented in support of Solful’s cannabis application to operate a business in Healdsburg and Solful’s use of organic flower.
Bruce Abramson expressed his opposition to the proposed location of the Mercy Wellness Healdsburg location at 20 Dry Creek Road.
Glen Green, identifying as Russell Green’s father, commented on the operation of KURE Wellness.
Cindi Brown expressed her support for Mercy Wellness and commented on the operation of Mercy Wellness.
Joe Nagan commented on the business operation of Jane Dispensary and expressed his support for Jane to be selected as one of the cannabis businesses.
Sabrina Laster commented in support of KURE Wellness.
Jane Phillips expressed support for Jane Dispensary and commented on the proposed location.
Victoria addressed the Council regarding her support for Mercy Wellness Healdsburg.
Brian Speers Landlord at 20 Dry Creek Road, expressed his support for Mercy Wellness Healdsburg and addressed Council regarding the proposed location and the business model of Mercy Wellness Healdsburg.
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Liz Hempelman addressed Council on the experience of Mercy Wellness, her personal experience with Mercy Wellness and expressed her support for Mercy Wellness.
Camille Olvera expressed her support for Mercy Wellness and commented on her experience as a former employee.
Dan Brenner addressed Council on the dangers and health concerns of cannabis use.
Marrisa Northern California Regional Manager for Off the Charts, commented on her experience working with Off the Charts and the potential of opening a location in Healdsburg.
Josette Brose-Eichar addressed the Council on allowing two cannabis operations in Healdsburg and the operation of SPARC in the Sonoma Valley.
Gil Latimer Sonoma Valley Cannabis Group addressed Council on cannabis and stated his objection to awarding a cannabis permit to Garden Parc, LLC DBA SPARC.
Gretchen Giles expressed her support for Garden Parc LLC and Jane Dispensary and addressed the Council on women owned cannabis businesses.
Mark Gordon stated his support for Garden Parc LLC to be awarded one of the cannabis business permits, commented on the proposed location of Garden Parc LLC and their community involvement with local organizations.
Justin Adely Cannabis Specialist at Off the Charts, addressed the Council on his role at Off the Charts, the business model of Off the Charts and the community involvement Off the Charts participates in.
Nicole Redler Founder and CEO of ReCompass, expressed her support for Solful’s cannabis business permit application and commented on Solful’s experience in the cannabis industry.
Seth addressed the Council on corporate business operations and expressed his support for selecting a family-owned business in the area.
Jeff Obin commented on living in Healdsburg and expressed his support for Solful.
Rodrigo Cruz addressed the Council on his experience with KURE Wellness, the customer experience at KURE Wellness and expressed his support to see KURE as one of the businesses selected to operate in Healdsburg.
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Angelica Chesley addressed the Council on her experience growing up in Healdsburg, her support for Jane Dispensary and Jane being locally owned.
Leslie identifying as the mother of Russell Green, addressed the Council about the owner of KURE Wellness, the operations of KURE and expressed her support to see KURE be selected to operate a business in Healdsburg.
David Jones commented on the selection process undertaken by Council to select a cannabis business in Healdsburg, his selection process to choose a cannabis business to rent his vacant commercial business and expressed his support for Solful.
Carolyn Brenner addressed the Council on allowing cannabis in Healdsburg, leaving the decision up to the voters and asked that the location of the cannabis businesses be a subtle location.
Linda Civitello former Executive Director of the Sebastopol Senior Center, commented on Solful’s outreach to the Senior Community, their community support and expressed her support to see Solful operate in Healdsburg.
Member of the Public expressed support for Garden Parc LLC to operate in Healdsburg.
Tess Kofoid addressed the Council on her personal experience with SPARC and expressed her support to see SPARC receive a cannabis business permit.
Lineh expressed her support for KURE Wellness and commented on her experience with the family who owns KURE Wellness.
Member of the Public stated her support for Mercy Wellness, commented on Mercys’ involvement in the community and their experience in the cannabis business.
Harley commented on his work experience with SPARC and encouraged Council to select SPARC to receive a cannabis business permit.
Jessie Flag addressed the Council on her work experience with SPARC, how she was introduced to cannabis, what SPARC offers to their employees and expressed her support for SPARC to operate in Healdsburg.
Jordan General Manager of Off the Charts in San Francisco, addressed the Council on his role at Off the Charts and expressed his support for Off the Charts.
Jodi expressed her support to see cannabis come to Healdsburg and spoke in favor of Mercy Wellness.
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Alex Maddocks commented on her experience with KURE Wellness and expressed her support to see KURE Wellness operate a business in Healdsburg.
Member of the Public spoke in support of KURE Wellness, their experience in the cannabis industry and her personal experience with cannabis.
Debba Komaski expressed her support for Jane Dispensary and commented on their connection to Healdsburg, experience in the cannabis industry and work in the community.
Allison stated her support for KURE Wellness and expressed her appreciation to the Council.
Daniel Landrom part of the management team of Jane Dispensary, expressed his support for Jane Dispensary.
Claire Andrus expressed her support for Mercy Wellness to operate a cannabis business in Healdsburg.
Member of the Public current purchaser for Flora Terra, commented on her experience working for Flora Terra, how Flora Terra operates as a business and her support for Flora Terra.
Kimberly Walton identifying as Felica Accomazzo’s mom, commented on her experience with Mercy Wellness and asked the Council to support Mercy Wellness receiving a cannabis business permit.
Member of the Public commented on the location of the potential cannabis business.
Mayor Kelley recessed the meeting for a short break at approximately 7:53 p.m. and resumed the meeting at approximately 8:05 p.m.
Council Questions
Councilmember Edwards commented about the storage of Driver’s License information.
Vice Mayor Hagele inquired about security concerns of cannabis businesses, the items of interest when cannabis businesses are targeted, if a microbusiness adds a layer of concern or not and if there were traffic concerns regarding the operation of a cannabis business.
Councilmember Herrod inquired if there was a correlation between the visibility of a cannabis business and community problems that could arise.
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Councilmember Mitchell inquired if there were any concerns about the proposed security plans of the cannabis businesses.
Mayor Kelley inquired about the sign requirements for operating a cannabis business in Healdsburg.
A brief discussion ensued about allowing the applicants to comment on the in-person interview process.
There be no more questions, Mayor Kelley called for a straw poll vote of each Councilmember to see what cannabis businesses were in the top three choices of each Councilmember.
Council Comments
Councilmember Herrod expressed support for Solful, Jane Dispensary and Mercy Wellness.
Councilmember Mitchell thanked each applicant for participating in the process, commented on reading every application and expressed support for Solful, Jane and Garden Parc LLC.
Councilmember Edwards echoed his thanks to the cannabis businesses who participated in the process, commented that he visited every applicant’s business to evaluate them himself and expressed support for Solful, Jane Dispensary and Garden Parc LLC.
Vice Mayor Hagele commented on all the emails the Council received, noted he visited several dispensaries during the process and stated his support for local preference. Mayor Hagele expressed support for Solful, Jane Dispensary, Garden Parc LCC and Mercy Wellness.
Mayor Kelley echoed the comments of her prior Councilmembers, including local product and local ownership, having a cannabis business that understands the values of the Healdsburg community and expressed her support for Solful, Jane Dispensary and Garden Parc LLC.
Mayor Kelley summarized the vote as follows: Solful and Jane received five votes, Garden Parc LLC received four votes and Mercy Wellness Healdsburg received one vote. Mayor Kelley noted the top two among the Council were Solful and Jane.
Councilmember Mitchell opined on the boutique style business of Solful and the walkability their potential location offers. Councilmember Mitchell further expressed her excitement for a locally owned and operated women owned business like Jane Dispensary.
Councilmember Edwards expressed that Solful was his number one choice because they demonstrated the Healdsburg experience.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
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Councilmember Herrod commented that Mercy Wellness Healdsburg was his number one choice because they were integrated into the community, working to make Healdsburg better and active members of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce. Councilmember Herrod expressed his disappointment that Mercy Wellness Healdsburg didn’t make it into the top two and stated the Jane Dispensary and Solful also were integrated into the community and working to make Healdsburg better.
On a motion by Councilmember Herrod, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, adopted Resolution No. 142-2023, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HEALDSBURG AWARDING TWO RETAIL CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITS TO JF HEALDSBURG LLC (DBA JANE) AND 465 RETAIL LLC (DBA SOLFUL).” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further city council business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:33 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Ariel Kelley, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk