Seeks clarification of sites for dispensaries
By Barb Pert Templeton
The issue to allow marijuana facilities in Marine City has been a topic for months in the city and now officials are sending it back to their planning commission.
In addition to being on commission meeting agendas, officials hosted a town hall in late February, seeking the public’s input.
The city already has an ordinance in place against having any dispensaries but Commissioner Michael Hilferink wants the matter reconsidered in lieu of the state revenue dollars that could come to the city should they approve some facilities.
Advertisements - Click the Speaker Icon for Audio
At the most recent March 2 commission meeting, officials instructed the planning commission to locate available property within the city that could accommodate a facility, sighting setbacks dictated by law. Churches, schools, residences and non-profit places have to be considered when approving locations.
Marine City Attorney Robert Davis gave a brief presentation at the March 2 meeting regarding where the city currently stands on allowing recreational and medical dispensaries for marijuana.
City Attorney Robert Davis gave a presentation at the March 2 meeting recapping where the city currently stands on the subject of medical and recreational use facilities for marijuana. He stated that Marine City is “out” on medical and recreational marijuana facilities based on an ordinance adopted by the commission in 2019.
Commissioner William Klaassen stated that he’s against marijuana dispensaries in the city and wants officials to leave the existing ordinance prohibiting them in place.
He said the law does allow for an initiative by a citizen or group to put the question on a ballot. The next eligible election date would be August 8 with the petitions being due for that by May 2.
“So, it’s a two-prong statement it’s not just a ballot initiative to get the facilities, you can also have a ballot initiative to prohibit the facilities,” Davis said.
