McLean County Times

Some council members are upset over the lack of discussion around the approval of a new cannabis dispensary.

The subject being voted on was the approval for a proposal by petitioner Project Equity Illinois to construct a 3,840 square foot retail facility that would operate as an adult use cannabis dispensary, according to a video of the Bloomington, Illinois, City Council meeting in June.

The dispensary would be in an existing 13,000 square foot retail facility in Bloomington and would be more than 500 feet away from any protected category and more than 1,000 feet away from any other adult use.

"You know, I do have some questions that I feel that are responsible to have the chief also participate in discussions on," Bloomington City Alderman, Sheila Montney, said during the meeting. "This is a significant issue for this community. So, if my colleagues are unwilling to allow this discussion to take place in front of the public here, then that's your prerogative by majority vote."

Some of the council members appeared to be unhappy about the lack of discussion and the process related to asking questions, as well as how the votes were tallied, according to statements made in the video. After much debate, it was resolved that a vote to overturn the regulations and facilitate some discussions and questions for the petitioner could be allowed. The vote passed and some council members were able to ask their questions prior to the vote.

Four of the six owners of the proposed store are from Illinois, but only the majority owner, John Rushing, lives in Illinois. The organization has connections all over the United States, with its financial base in Texas and stores in California.

The council voted to approve the plan 5-3.