Happy 26th Birthday Dakota Miller!

Hartford City approached by a second medical marijuana dispensary

By Jon Bisnett

Karana Law of Southfield Michigan has submitted a letter to the city seeking the opportunity to make application on behalf of their client DNVK Lapeer Inc. for a second medical marijuana dispensary in the city to be located at 325 West Main.

The city’s first applicant Med+Leaf was initially denied at the state level and is still pursuing approval following a recommended redistribution of corporate ownership.

Karana contends their client is pre-qualified and asks the city either amend the ordinance to allow a second dispensary or allow a “back-up” application should Med+Leaf fail to secure licensing.

No discussion or action was taken by the commission at their business meeting on Monday, Apr. 22.

Public comment

Landlords Bobby and David Kling spoke out regarding complaints to both rates and procedure of the city’s rental inspection ordinance. The city manager was charged by Mayor Rick Hall to review the process, specifically in regard to multiple rentals located at the same physical site.

Communications

The May Commission Workshop and Business meeting will be combined on Monday, May 20 to avoid a conflict with the Memorial Day holiday.

Nomination petitions are now available from the clerk’s office. Three commission seats along with that of mayor will be on the fall ballot. Terms of commissioners Terry Tibbs, Dennis Goss and Helen Sullivan expire this November.

Minutes & Reports

Minutes from April 15 Workshop, March 25 Business Session and April 15 Closed Session were approved and archived along with March Departmental Reports.

Old business

The demolition contractor for 32 and 34 West Main has been contacted with the go-ahead and is scheduling the work.

New business

After a closed session performance review of the city manager held at the prior workshop meeting, commissioners came with a motion to extend the contract for Yemi Akinwale through 2023 with a 2% salary increase. The motion passed in a roll-call vote with commissioner Dennis Goss casting the sole vote of opposition. No salary details or results of the performance evaluation were publicly disclosed.

A unanimous approval was given to the Water Asset Management Plan as presented by consultants from Wightman and Associates.

Commissioner Terry Tibbs brought complaints regarding the train crossing on North Center Street with signals and crossing gates not functioning and no flagman present as tankers were blocking the street for nearby offloading of farm chemicals. Akinwale will contact the track ownership.

With a short agenda and no further business, Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting in 8:12 p.m. with the council next slated for the monthly business session on Monday, May 20.

Retirement Open House on Friday for Roseann Clements

Coloma City Deputy Clerk/ Treasurer Roseann Clements is retiring after 23 years at Coloma City Hall.

The public is invited to drop by City Hall on Friday, Apr. 26 and wish her well and enjoy cake and punch anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Coloma City Hall is located at 119 N. Paw Paw St. in downtown.

Senior Services

Hartford United Methodist Church, 425 E. Main St.

OPEN: Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays,

10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Monday, April 29 Coffee and Conversation, 10:00-11:30 a.m.; LUNCH served at 12:30 p.m.; Bingo – Cards/ Euchre/ Dominoes – Knitting/ Crochet/ Quilt Group, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30 Coffee and Conversation, 10:00-11:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11:30 a.m.; LUNCH served at 12:30 p.m.; Cards/ Euchre/ Dominoes – Computer with Emma – Quilting/ Knitting/ Crochet Group, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, May 3 Coffee and Conversation, 10:00-11:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11:30 a.m.; LUNCH served at 12:30 p.m.; Cards/ Euchre/ Dominoes, 1:30 p.m.

Any questions or comments, please contact Senior Services, Senior City on 76th Street at 269-637-3607 or Senior Services Paw Paw office at 269-655-8000. Rides are available through Van Buren Public Transit with no less than 24-hour advance notice at (269) 427-7921.

Plant sale Mother’s Day weekend

Salem Lutheran Church is holding a Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale. It starts Friday, May 10 from noon – 4 p.m. and continues on Saturday, May 11 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The last day of the sale is Sunday, May 12 from noon – 6 p.m. There will be hanging baskets and potted flowers.

Salem Lutheran Church is located at 275 Marvin Street in Coloma.