Pubdate: Wed, 24 Nov 2010
Source: Chelsea Standard, The (MI)
Copyright: 2010 Heritage Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://heritage.com/chelsea_standard/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3666
Author: Daniel Lai
Cited: Chelsea City Council http://mapinc.org/url/TrsxGzRP
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+medical+marijuana
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?275 (Cannabis - Michigan)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/dispensaries

CITY COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE

The Chelsea City Council approved the first reading of its zoning 
ordinance Tuesday that would prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries 
in the city.

The council plans to approve the second reading of the ordinance at 
its meeting on Dec. 14.

Though no dispensaries are currently in Chelsea, and there are no 
applications on file, if passed, the ordinance would prohibit future 
dispensaries within the city limits.

"The issue of medical marijuana dispensaries have been a growing 
concern since the use was voted upon in 2008," the city said in a 
statement included in the council's information packet. "oeSome 
communities have attempted to control the spread of the clinics by 
allowing them only in certain zoning districts, others by prohibiting 
them as the activity violates federal law. Staff feels this amendment 
is the preferable method for controlling these types of activities."

Before voting, council member Rod Anderson asked what the process 
would be if the conflict between state and federal law was resolved 
concerning medical marijuana.

"I agree 100 percent with the basis of this ordinance," he said. 
"However, we need to remember that two-thirds of the state's voters 
approved the ballot initiative, and I think we need to keep an open 
mind if the state comes up with a way to rectify the law. We have to 
remember that it was strongly approved by the constituency."

On Sept. 28, the city council placed a 60-day moratorium on the 
establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries to give the planning 
commission time to develop wording for the ordinance.

In other news:

1) The council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 in 
response for a request by Frame Hardwoods, Inc. for an industrial 
facilities tax exemption.

2) The council voted to reappoint Chuck Schauer and Richard Bauer for 
another three-year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Schauer and 
Bauer's terms both expired in September.

3) The council voted to appoint Mary Schroer to the planning 
commission to fill a vacancy left by Rita Holmes. The term will 
expire in June 2012. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake