Belleville council directs attorney to write opt-out ordinance on marijuana businesses

After a lengthy presentation on the law passed by Michigan voters on Nov. 6, the Belleville City Council directed city attorney Steve Hitchcock to prepare the needed ordinance so the council can vote to opt out of having marijuana businesses in the city.
At its Feb. 19 meeting, the council asked dozens of questions of Hitchcock concerning the law. He emphasized the voters approved recreational marijuana, so the ordinance they pass will only be about businesses. Hitchcock said although there were 100 words or less on the ballot, the statute approved is 21 pages.
Councilman Tom Fielder made the motion to authorize the attorney to draw up the ordinance and, “get this thing off the ground.” The council unanimously passed the motion.