Ron Durbin, Peixotto’s attorney, took issue Thursday with the fee requirements in the ordinance, as well as the code enforcement letter Peixotto received because State Question 788 doesn’t grant express authority for municipalities to charge additional fees. He said it appears the city is simply refusing to make a decision on whether to approve his client’s application for his sign and that Peixotto gave the city at least three months notice of his plans to set up a dispensary.

“They’re required to fulfill their governmental duties of issuing permits,” Durbin said. “If Collinsville wants to try to shut them down, then we’ll seek emergency relief from the courts. Like we’ve done with other cities, we’d like to work with them. But if they show up with this cease-and-desist ‘Don’t open’ letter, if you can call it a letter, then this is what we’re left with.”

Collinsville commissioners also met Dec. 17 and had their first public reading of a proposed ordinance that would address zoning for medical marijuana businesses. A copy of the meeting minutes shows the group passed the item for future discussion, but Underwood said Peixotto’s business location would be in compliance with the proposed zoning code upon approval and inspection of his shop.