Ban on recreational marijuana divides Fresno City Council members

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- Council President Clint Olivier floated the idea of hiring a consultant to give the city an objective view of how to draft marijuana regulations.

"We owe it to the people we represent to do the best we can on their behalf," said Olivier.

Olivier had proposed budgeting $100,000 for the consultant, but then Mayor Lee Brand said he would go along if the price was cut in half to $50,000.

"I think it's complex enough that I do believe we should get a consultant," Brand said.

A majority of the council agreed. When it came time to vote on whether to ban recreational marijuana sales three council members including Oliver Baines opposed the ban.

"It is clear to me that the people of the state, county and the city all voted to support recreational use," said Baines.

But a four vote majority voted for a ban on recreational sales. However, one council member who voted for the ban, Paul Caprioglio noted--nothing at City Hall is set in stone.

"This is a motion moving body here. We change things all the time," said Caprioglio.