Former councilwoman Jill Grano, now with the Chamber, hinting at what the fur ban update might be later tonight: The Chamber is asking for delayed enforcement.
That ban is set to begin Jan. 1, but inventory is punched months in advance, Grano says.
That ban is set to begin Jan. 1, but inventory is punched months in advance, Grano says.
Chamber asking for a 9-month delay to give biz the chance to clear inventory and make new purchases. Other cities have done 1-yr grace periods, Grano says.
Grano: "This may not affect hundreds of our biz, but it does affect dozens."
Lindsey Tate, from Two Sole Sisters, picks up that thread. Tate was a driving force behind the opposition to Ballot Measure 301.
"We order our products 6 months in advance," Tate says. "It's challenging to have this measure enforced on such short notice."
"We order our products 6 months in advance," Tate says. "It's challenging to have this measure enforced on such short notice."
"It seems premature to enforce this measure until the language has been clarified," Tate says. (Reminder: There was a possible conflict with state law). Tate also asking for 6 mo delay.
John Woodward asking for a 3-yr grace period.
"The bill passed by a narrowest of margins," Woodward says, "and did not constitute a mandate for quick and immediate action."
"The bill passed by a narrowest of margins," Woodward says, "and did not constitute a mandate for quick and immediate action."
Catherine Leuenberger, from Royal Stag Hats, also asking for an extension and amendment to the measure language.
"It is v ambiguous language. It's hard to know what is exempt and what is OK."
"It is v ambiguous language. It's hard to know what is exempt and what is OK."
Many hats are made with felt from rabbits or beaver, I learned in reporting on this measure.
Hats are exempt, Leuenberger says, bc they're not attached to leather/skin, but it's hard to know that from the measure's language.
Hats are exempt, Leuenberger says, bc they're not attached to leather/skin, but it's hard to know that from the measure's language.
Leuenberger asks for "at least a year" so that biz "aren't stuck with items that we've already purchased" but can't legally sell.
Another Leuenberger requesting a delay in enforcement.
Also Christie Lambert from Cedar & Hyde. Currently not selling any fur products, but they have in the past — sourced exclusively from byproducts of the food industry, Lambert says.
"Please do not forget that we biz owners are people, too. Please do not punish biz or their owners any further" than COVID already has. Please give an extension. "We need it," Lambert says. "We really do."
We'll revisit this in a couple hours. Stay tuned.
OK, back to the fur ban. An update from city attorney Sandra Llanes
The petitioner's asked that the language be changed so it is compatible with state law (which I believe allows wild-trapped animals). So that change will happen.
Also there may be some grace period, as businesses were asking. I didn't catch how long that would be.
Llanes says the city is planning to do a 30- or 60-day education period before enforcement would begin.
Similar to what they did with the tent ban. "No citations would be issued" in the education period, Llanes says.
OK, the proposed grace period is only 30-60 days, per Llanes.
Council can make amendments so long as they don't conflict with the measure's intent, Llanes reminds them. "If council were to take a conservative approach, there shouldn't be a legal issue."
Brockett: Are you looking for feedback? Or just letting us know?
Llanes: It's kind of a bit of both.
Llanes: It's kind of a bit of both.
Yates: Can we trade with petitioners? And not make the changes they requested unless they agree to an extended grace period?
(He put it in slightly different language, more of a request or negotiation)
(He put it in slightly different language, more of a request or negotiation)
Llanes: We def intend to go back to petitioners and ask for their input. It would be helpful to have their support in what moves forward. I intend to circle back with those folks.
Benjamin: I've talked with the petitioners and some of the biz owners. They acknowledge this measure was largely symbolic, and had absolutely zero intent to hurt biz. They expressed to me they are OK with a grace period.
"I think it's a matter of what is that grace period number," Benjamin says. That 6-9 month range seems like where we're heading.
Speer: I am supportive of letting ppl sell out their inventory. But concerned that the voters approved this and we're putting a formal moratorium in place, directly conflicting with voter intent.
Council will get more info in January.
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