Politics & Government
In Brief: City Marijuana Moratorium, 2 New Liquor Licenses Approved
A summary of the items discussed at Monday's Northville city council meeting.
The Northville City Council approved a six-month moratorium on the “issuance of licenses, permits or approvals for the sale or dispensation of medical marijuana” on Monday.
Now, the city planning commission is expected to make the appropriate amendments to the city’s zoning ordinances to help regulate medical marijuana sales and dispensation.
“I’m uneasy when the state law is in conflict with federal law,” Northville mayor Chris Johnson said.
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The council noted that other Michigan cities have adopted similar policies and it expects more clarification on the law may occur through legislative or legal channels.
Residents Upset About Bench Removals
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Three Northville residents, John and Connie Conder and Betty Kaiser spoke to the council regarding the replacement of memorial benches in downtown. Connie Conder and Kaiser expressed displeasure in the city’s handling of their requests for more information on the removal of the benches, saying their phone calls went unreturned.
John Conder said that they donated $550 for two benches to honor his late father, John Conder Sr. Similarly, Kaiser said her family donated nearly $800 for a bench to honor her and her husband on their 40th wedding anniversary. As her husband has since passed, Kaiser said she would like to keep the bench.
City Manager Patrick Sullivan said that as the old wooden benches become worn, the Downtown Development Authority plans to replace them with steel benches. He said there are 51 benches downtown and the DDA only plans to replace 11 this year.
Council member Michele Fecht said the city will contact people with memorial benches to see if they would like to keep the bench or plaque before it’s replaced.
Council Approves Two Liquor License Requests
The council approved the transfer of liquor licenses for two businesses in downtown — and Brick. Owners of Brick's also requested an entertainment license, which was granted.
Garage, which will be located at 202 W. Main St., will be a full-service restaurant and bar. The owners expect 70 percent of their business will be food sales and 30 percent will be alcohol sales. They plan outdoor service and carry out. According to city documents, Garage plans its hours of operation to be Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Total restaurant capacity is 244.
The owners of Garage did not request an entertainment permit, but they may have a small band or ensemble on occasion, for which a permit is not required.
In his report to the council, Northville Police Chief Gary Goss said the business may put additional pressure on area parking, which may lead to increased parking restrictions or enforcement efforts. He also noted that the increased traffic at the intersection of Main and Wing streets will warrant a traffic study to determine if a four-way stop will be required.
Brick's is to be located at 133 W. Main Street and will also be a full-service bar and restaurant with a capacity of 222 people. The owners plan for outdoor service and an area for that purpose already exists. They expect their sales to split equally between food and alcohol. Hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The owners plan to have live entertainment, which is expected to end at midnight on Thursdays and Fridays, and at 1 a.m. on Saturdays. There will also be pool tables and video games.
Council Presents Claude N. Ely Award
Mayor Chris Johnson presented Northville resident Jerry Mittman with the award, which honors those who show outstanding citizenship and commitment to the community.
The award, as described by Sullivan's executive secretary Michelle Nabozny, is in honor of the first mayor of Northville.
"In 1959, a memorial fund was incorporated to honor and perpetuate the memory of the late Claude N. Ely, last president of the Village of Northville and the first mayor of the City of Northville, who demonstrated over the years outstanding devotion and service to his community. This annual award provides a token of appreciation to a citizen of the Northville community for outstanding community service."
Mayor Johnson noted Mittman's efforts over the years such as three stints on the city council. Mittman has also served on the zoning board of appeals, the historic district commission, the planning commission and nine other city boards, commissions or committees.
Council Approves Two Special Event Requests
Applications by the Northville Historical Society to conduct a Civil War Encampment on July 3-4 and an Ottawa Long Rifles 18th Century Encampment on July 15-17 were approved. Both events will take place at Mill Race Village.
According to city documents, experienced re-enactors from the American Civil War Shooting Association - First South Carolina Volunteer Infantry will carry in historically accurate tents and gear beginning at 6 p.m. on July 3. Clean up will begin at 4 p.m. on July 4. They will sleep in tents behind the Yerkes House overnight and cook over a single fire pit.
The Ottawa Long Rifles will have three fire pits and tents will be set up behind the Yerkes house and Hunter house. The re-enactment begins at 6:30 p.m. July 15, with clean up beginning at 4 p.m. on July 17.
Appointment to Housing Committee
The council approved the appointment of Nancy Catallo to the housing commission to fill a vacancy with a term expiration of Sept. 15, 2013.