REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Amendment No. 2 to an Agreement for Services with SCI Consulting Group for the Development of a Commercial Cannabis Regulatory Program
Report
BACKGROUND
In October 2017, the City of Santa Clara issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for consulting services to assist the City with developing regulations for commercial cannabis/personal use activity and a corresponding regulatory fee and tax plan. On December 19, 2017, Council approved an agreement with SCI Consulting Group ("SCI") for services through December 1, 2018 with a not to exceed amount of $192,000.
Under the terms of the agreement, SCI is responsible for conducting public education/outreach regarding Proposition 64 and potential cannabis activity in Santa Clara; researching and assessing the City's General Plan, zoning laws and current regulations that may affect cannabis regulations in Santa Clara; assisting in the preparation of City ordinances and regulations for commercial cannabis activities and personal cultivation, including any requisite CEQA documentation; developing a Commercial Cannabis Management Program which would include an application and permitting process for cannabis businesses together with a full City cost recovery plan; and assisting in the preparation of a cannabis-related special tax measure for voter consideration in 2018.
DISCUSSION
SCI began its work with the City in January and has provided community and stakeholder outreach, research and assessment of current cannabis rules and regulations and their applicability to proposed City regulations, assistance with drafting City Ordinances and regulations for commercial cannabis activity, and assistance with developing the City's Cannabis Business Tax ballot measure ("Measure M").
The City still requires the services of SCI to help develop the remaining Ordinances that will regulate the safety and zoning parameters for cannabis businesses, an application and permitting process for cannab...
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