STATE COLLEGE — The State College Borough Council took steps Feb. 13 to enhance the marijuana possession ordinance by adding an amendment and removing some language.
“There was a slight oversight when we enacted the original ordinance,” said borough manager Tom Fountaine. “This is something we should have had in the ordinance originally, but it was language we just overlooked.”
On Aug. 1, 2016, the council passed an ordinance effectively decriminalizing the use or possession of a small amount of marijuana (30 grams or less) or hashish (8 grams or less) within the borough. Instead of being charged with a criminal offense, violators are issued a citation and must pay a fine of up to $250. Those caught smoking marijuana in a public place can be fined up to $300.
During the Feb. 13 meeting, the council voted unanimously to add possession of drug paraphernalia to the ordinance, and remove language that fines parents or guardians of juvenile offenders.
In other business, the council:
■ Approved the use of various borough streets Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to noon for the annual Coaches vs. Cancer 5K Run/Walk
■ Approved the closure of South Allen Street, from the municipal building to Foster Avenue, along with other various streets, sidewalks and the Allen Street parking lot, as well as the use of the municipal building lobby and Room 112 on Saturday, April 1, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the annual Autism Speaks 5K Race/3K Walk
■ Approved the appointments of Theresa D. Lafer to the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization, Janet Engeman as an alternate to the CCMPO, Engeman to the Spring Creek Watershed Commission, and Amy Kerner as an alternative to the Spring Creek Watershed Commission.
