Former Riverview Mayor Tim Durand speaks at the Feb. 6 City Council meeting.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
RIVERVIEW – Residents turned in a petition this week seeking to have the marijuana moratorium reinstated and to disallow its sale within the city.
Former Riverview City Councilmember Bill Towle speaks at the Feb. 6 City Council meeting.
The petition calls for the issue to be placed on the next regular city election ballot, to be decided by voters, per Section 6 of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act.
The wording indicates that the purpose of the proposed ordinance is regulatory in nature and is not tied to the city’s zoning ordinances. It further declares that its purpose is to “preserve the public peace, health, safety and welfare” of Riverview residents.
The ordinance would impose a moratorium and prohibit the operation and licensing of all marijuana establishments within the city.
The ordinance would also serve to repeal any earlier ordinances that are in conflict with it. It would be effective immediately upon passage by the voters.
Mayor Andrew Swift said nine applications for marijuana businesses were submitted to the city, four of which were found to be incomplete.
He said the city clerk, a Building Department official and the city attorney are evaluating the remaining applications.