Gardiner elected officials have started the process to determine whether to impose a temporary ban on retail marijuana sales and social clubs in the city.

When the Gardiner City Council meets Wednesday, it will consider a first read of a moratorium that would halt any applications for six months for establishments allowed under the passage of Question 1. Officials said members of the public are welcome to speak on the proposal.

Three weeks ago, the matter appeared on the City Council’s agenda, but it was withdrawn when officials were advised they ought to follow the process for an ordinance.

The temporary ban is expected to give officials time to draft any amendment they deem necessary to Gardiner’s land use code and ordinances. Among the considerations they will review is the compatibility of retail marijuana establishments and social clubs with permitted uses in different zoning classifications across Gardiner, the potential health and safety effects of these establishments if they are not properly regulated, the possibility of illegal marijuana sales to minors and possible criminal activity associated with growing, manufacturing, selling or using marijuana.

The Gardiner City Council meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the City Council Chambers at City Hall on 6 Church St. The meeting agenda is available on the city’s website, gardinermaine.com.

Maine residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana use by a narrow margin in November, according to unofficial results. Along with recreational use, the ballot initiative also makes provision for marijuana retail shops and social clubs. Cities and towns have the option to regulate those facilities or to ban them outright.

Opponents, however, have challenged the results and a statewide recount got underway Monday.

Unless the referendum results are overturned by the recount, possession and recreational use of limited amounts of marijuana will become legal for adults 21 and older in January. Regulations for social clubs and retail shops may take up to nine months for the state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to develop,

The Gardiner City Council will also:

• hear an update on the Wastewater Combined Sewer Overflow Waterfront Project and future plans;

• hear an update from the wastewater superintendent on public education regarding filling swimming pools and the requirement to have a second water meter for that purpose;

• hold a public hearing and consider issuing an automobile graveyard, automobile recycling business and/or junkyard permit for Brown’s Exit 27 Salvage;

• and hold two executive sessions and then consider taking action on an agreement with the general unit on staffing for the wastewater department and a land purchase offer.

Jessica Lowell — 621-5632

jlowell@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @JLowellKJ