Pubdate: Sun, 13 Jun 2010
Source: County Press, The (Lapeer, MI)
Copyright: 2010 The County Press
Contact:  http://thecountypress.mihomepaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4501
Author: Nancy R. Elliott
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+medical+marijuana

HADLEY ESTABLISHES MORATORIUM ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Fate of Vacant Elementary School Building Also Continues to Spark 
Concern by Officials

HADLEY -- Hadley Township has joined the ranks of other 
municipalities around the county, approving a 90-day moratorium on 
medical marijuana dispensaries at Tuesday's board meeting. The move 
gives the planning commission time to develop a regulatory ordinance.

Township supervisor Ernie Monroe told residents at the meeting that 
the township wants their feedback in developing the new ordinance. He 
noted that township voters were in favor of medical marijuana in the 
2008 general election. He said that at that time, 1,643 township 
voters were in favor, and 1,079 opposed the measure.

The board considered a number of other topics as well. The fate of 
the now vacant Hadley Elementary School and property continues to 
concern the community. In April, Lapeer

Community Schools rejected the township's offer to purchase the 
property, countering with a higher amount. Township officials 
declined to offer more.

"We gave a fair market offer," said Treasurer Chris Tippen. The 
township offered $120,00 with the proviso the school district 
demolish the school building. In the event the township were to 
oversee the demolition, they offered $80,000 for the seven-acre parcel.

After a lengthy consideration, Lapeer Community Schools (LCS) 
rejected that offer saying the site was worth $220,000. "In the 
spirit of municipal cooperation," they said they would be willing to 
sell it to the township for $150,000.

"We pay our school taxes," said Fire Chief Kurt Nass last week. "For 
them to come back with that figure is ridiculous -- absurd."

Both township officials and residents have long stressed the 
importance of the property as a focal point for the community. That 
sentiment continues to prevail.

The property was originally donated in 1939 with the intent the ball 
fields could stay in community use. The ball fields have become 
central to local culture.

Hadley Township planning commission member Glenn Walton said that he 
has been in contact with LCS school board president Bill Laidlaw to 
let him know that the township is still interested. Officials and 
others want the school board to be aware especially if the school 
board is ultimately forced to "dump" the property.

"They're well aware we're still interested in it," Walton told the 
township board.

Monroe confirmed, "We're open to it and we're looking into it."

In other business, board members approved budget resolutions for 
general appropriations, fire fund and first responders for the 
2010-2011 fiscal year.

Board members approved chip sealing on Green Corners north of Pratt 
to Stewart at a cost of $23,500, closing out the 2009-2010 road 
budget. Trustee Rick Brandt noted that tree canopy trimming will be 
taking place on Brigham and Cramton roads.

The township will continue to support the recycling program with 
Deerfield Disposal at a cost of $1,520.

Office hours, holidays and meeting schedules were also set for the 
new fiscal year. The township offices will continue to keep later 
hours on Wednesdays, remaining open until 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday 
and Thursday, offices will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The 
office will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday.

Candidate for District 5 county commission, Dave Eady, introduced 
himself to residents and board members. Eady said he wants to work to 
bring more jobs to the area. He also urged passage of the E911 
ballot. "It's a vital system for everybody," Eady said. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake