February 17, 2022, Supervisor Christopher Smith called Special Bushnell Township Board meeting to order at 7 pm at Sheridan Community Center w/ pledge.
Present: Supervisor Christopher Smith; Treasurer Karron Bliss; Trustees Mike Fitzgerald & Patrick Draper; Clerk Louise Belyou; Absent: none Also present: Atty David Eberly; and 12 others
Motion by Bliss, supported by Fitzgerald to accept agenda as presented. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
NEW BUSINESS: Motion by Fitzgerald, supported by Draper to adopt Township Rules of Procedure.
Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Public Comment On Agenda Items (3 min/person limit) Dean Whitmore – stated that an ordinance to grow marihuana would not generate the money that dispensaries would for the Township. OLD BUSINESS: Motion by Fitzgerald, supported by Bliss, to go into closed session pursuant to MCL
15.268(h) to consider a written attorney opinion exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute regarding marihuana businesses. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. After approximately 15 minutes, board returned. Motion by Bliss, supported by Fitzgerald, to resume open meeting session. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING MARIHUANA BUSINESSES within the TOWNSHIP The public will be given an opportunity to comment during the public hearing (3 min per person limit) Public Comment: Dean Whitmore – asked what is the cost of legal counsel per hour and what is the total expended thus far. Also what would be the number of dispensaries and the number of grow operations that would be allowed.
Supervisor Smith told that the board had been advised by MTA to have legal advice if ordinances were to be written.
Steve Cotter – grow operations would help by employing people with jobs. There is no sell on grow operations. It is only commercial – grow, harvest, transport for processing. Kevin Cotter – in favor of outdoor grow, could utilize small property, making it more cost effective, well supervised. 2018 allows hemp grow, not as potent as marihuana – different regulations
Motion by Draper, supported by Fitzgerald, to close public comments. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
OLD BUSINESS: (continued) MARIHUANA BUSINESSES Supervisor Smith apprised the audience of some statistics regarding marihuana. The 2018 vote failed by 68 votes in Bushnell Township, but passed by 50 votes statewide. The county has retail sales and grow establishments in 3 or 4 towns and plans in progress for other dispensaries. Some concerns previously stated to members of the board and others have been: a bad smell with outdoor grow, wondering if township infrastructure specifically electric power, and road repairs due to increased and heavy traffic. State of Michigan has buffers in place to alleviate a few concerns.
Board member comments: Treasurer stated the need for additional revenue sources. It was also mentioned that it might be wise to wait regarding the grow methods to schedule a tour of said facilities until harvest time, which is when the smell is said to be strongest.
Motion by Draper, supported by Fitzgerald to draft ordinance for recreational marihuana dispensaries.
Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Public Comment On Non-Agenda Items Dean Whitmore – mentioned ARPA funds granted to township, might we use for internet service at the town hall, provide notices and minutes online.
Motion by Bliss, supported by Draper to adjourn. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Louise Belyou, Clerk