Stockbridge Council votes down Marijuana in Village

L-R: Trustee Greg Uihlein, Trustee Chad Quintanilla, Pro-Tem Fred Cattell, President Molly Howlett, Trustee Heath Corey. Present but not pictured: Trustee Richard Mullins and Trustee Patrick Harden. Photo Credit: DigitalCrumbs Photography.

by Mary Wilson

Monday, Jan. 7, the Stockbridge Village Council approved, 6 to 1, an ordinance prohibiting marijuana establishments within village limits.

After public comment from individuals in an audience of approximately 30 attendees, the Council discussed the matter. Those in favor of the ordinance argued that they didn’t want this type of business in our community around our children, marijuana can be a gateway to harder drugs, and the village should opt out until LARA (Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) provides regulations concerning marijuana. Those against the ordinance stated that people voted to legalize marijuana, so why stop a person from starting a legal business? Besides, they said, kids see alcohol and cigarettes sold in Stockbridge, so this would be no different.

A vote was taken and the ordinance prohibiting passed 6 to 1, Council member Greg Uihlein cast the lone no vote.

In other business, Fred Cattell was voted Pro Tem of the Council, meaning he will preside in the event of President Molly Howlett’s absence. DPW worker Matt Akers, if fully licensed, now can do all water treatment testing for the village. Howlett appointed Cattell and Richard Mullins to the budget committee and Uihlein to the cemetery committee.

Stockbridge Chamber of commerce was approved for street closings for A Day in the Village, to be held June 14 and 15, and for the Festival of Lights, Nov. 23.

Mike Levine Lakelands Trail Heritage Project will hold a meeting in Spring 2019, date to be announced later. Representatives are seeking stories of the history of the area and people. They are planning to put plaques along the trail with this information and would like everyone’s help.