New Baltimore Council Recap: Medical Pot Moratorium, Boat Docks, New Business Plans

From the medical marijuana debate to the New Baltimore City Council ruled Monday night on multiple issues. Among them were:

Council approved:

• The FEMA and Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority grant for $249,116 to pay for the creation of public boat docks and a 24-foot justice patrol vessel. The boat costs $162,329.
• The allocation of $25,000 from the Burke Funds for the city to share the cost of the docks for what is called the Comprehensive Regional Public Security, Safety and Responsive Program.
• Use about $10,000 from the public improvement fund for additional topsoil excavated from the new baseball fields at Festival Park for the future to build baseball field #4.
• The transfer of $180,000 from the general fund surplus to the public improvement fund. 
• The 60-day medical marijuana dispensary moratorium extension in the city while council members see proposed ordinance drafts.
• The New Baltimore Goodfellows annual Goodfellows Paper Sales Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
• A zombie walk from the recreation center to Little Camille's By the Bay the night of Oct. 27.
• Plans for Jimmy John's to set up at 35100 23 Mile Road, where North Shore Community Cafe used to be.
• Site plans for 4M Tire and Auto Detail Shop, 36390 Green, the former Soundwaves building.
• Plans, with conditions to move sidewalk about three feet, for Harbor Oaks Hospital's expansion to create six beds for children.
• Mayor's appointment of Andrew Jenkin to Road, Bridge and Utility Committee and Stuart Meyer to the Planning Commission.
• The Christmas tree lighting ceremony and sing-along at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 in downtown New Baltimore.
• The Lempke-Blackwell VFW Post 7573 to hold the annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at City Hall. 
• Plans for a St. Mary Queen of Creation Cemetery amendment at 36105 24 Mile.

Council rejected:

• An off-site sign for Windridge Estates at the corner of Washington and Ridge Road.
• Financial relief for a resident on a water and sewer bill costing more than $900.
• Financial relief for a resident on a water and sewer bill costing $1,079.

Council tabled:

• The special assessment process for Schmid Subdivision for weed control and middle canal dredging while soil samples are tested and the city attorney seeks input from the Michigan Attorney General's Office on the special assessment district.
• Approval of the annual Jingle Bell Run Dec. 9 by the Anchor Bay High School DECA Chapter/Anchor Bay Roadrunners while the city assesses rec center maintenance costs for the event.
• Request by the New Baltimore Lions Club to move the Winterfest Festival tent from its normal position on Washington Street to the MacDonald Public Library and rec center parking lots; city officials cited safety concerns with the proposed location off Main Street.

Check back with Patch for more coverage of the meeting.