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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION
Monday, October 9, 2017
5:30 p.m.
City Commission Chambers
MINUTES
2017-80
Present: Gawron, Hood, Warren, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Johnson, and
Turnquist
Absent: None
Muskegon County Health Project – Presentation regarding events
Laura Fitzpatrick from the Muskegon County Health Project presented a power point
presentation on the Health Project – Coalition for a Drug Free Muskegon. Several
community events, programs, partnerships, and initiatives were listed. After the
presentation, questions and answers were given.
BID Discussion
Mike Franzak, Planning Manager, updated the Commission on their findings from
questions the Commission presented at the last meeting.
Dave Alexander, Downtown Muskegon Now, indicated he forwarded an updated snow
removal map to the Commissioners.
It was questioned if staff would be open to a two-year assessment. The City Manager
indicated that two years would be more acceptable than one-year at this time.
Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Facilities Act
Frank Peterson, City Manager, gave a brief summary of the new State Law. The City
could choose to do nothing, which means the community opts out, or it adopts an
ordinance opting to allow commercial marihuana grows, provisioning centers, etc. with
rules and regulations.
Denise Polli gave a presentation on the positive aspects of opting into the new State
law. She indicated there are 61 pharmacies in Muskegon County and medical
marihuana facilities will offer a safe way for patients to receive their medication. Offering
a commercial grow will dis-incentivize the black market industry in Muskegon County.
DJ Hilson, County Prosecutor, spoke against opting into the commercial growing of
medical marihuana. He asked that the Commission speak to business owners and the
Chamber of Commerce. Ask them what their vision is for the City and if this fits in. Look
at the unintended consequences on the children and teenagers. Speak to the
Superintendent of Muskegon Public Schools.
Comments were received from the public.
Commissioners thanked the audience members for their input and indicated they would
like to do further research on this topic and discuss this at the next Worksession
Meeting in November.
ADJOURNMENT: The Worksession meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC – City Clerk
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