A special meeting on Wednesday, October 8th saw the Marlette City Council approving a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow certain marihuana growers, retailers and provisioning centers in the city’s industrial and manufacturing zone, if the businesses are granted a license.
The vote followed a public hearing, with four out of the five public comments being against the ordinance’s approval. Despite the voiced disapproval, which included concerns such as marihuana being a gateway drug and possible magnet for crime in the city, the measure was passed, 4-1, with councilman Dan Edwards voting against. Council member and mayor pro-tem Shane Hunter was absent from Wednesday night’s meeting, and thus did not vote.
Though the council did approve the ordinance amendment, which will go into effect 30 days after its adoption, Mayor Charles Bush is still working to get the issue on the ballot, gathering signatures for a petition to prohibit marihuana establishments. The petition, which Bush has previously said reflects personal views and is being brought by him as a private citizen and not as mayor, would be a second attempt after a previous petition in June was rejected, due to it lacking needed language about the congressional district.
The council will meet again next month on Monday, November 3rd, at 6:00 p.m. Due to election setup at Marlette City Hall, this meeting will be held at the Marlette Fire Department, located at 6064 Marlette Road in Marlette.
