Stockbridge Village Council swears in newly elected officers. Considers marijuana zoning ordinance.

Current Stockbridge Village Council after November’s election: Greg Uihlein (new), Chad Quintanilla (appointed and newly elected), President Pro Tem Frederick Cattell, President Molly Howlett, Heath Corey (new). All have served on the board before. Absent from the meeting: Richard Mullins and Patrick Harden. Photo Credit: Digital Crumbs 

by Mary Wilson

New and re-elected Stockbridge Village Council members as of the November 2018 election were sworn in prior to the Stockbridge Village Council meeting, Dec. 3. The council is now composed of President Molly Howlett, President Pro Tem Frederick Cattell, Heath Corey (new), Patrick Harden, Richard Mullins, Greg Uihlein (new) and Chadwick Quintanilla (previously appointed and newly elected). All newly elected council members have served before.

During two public comment times, people in an audience of approximately 40 expressed their opinions regarding a proposed ordinance to prohibit marijuana establishments within the Village of Stockbridge. People in favor of the prohibition made cases that the sale, distribution and dispensing of the recreational drug was not a good business for this small town. Those opposed to the ordinance maintained that allowing marijuana-related businesses would bring financial benefit to the community.

Later, during the new business portion of the agenda, the council first read and began discussions on a proposed ordinance to prohibit Marihuana Establishment within the Village of Stockbridge. No vote was taken.

L-R: Greg Uihlein, President Pro Ten Frederick Cattell, Chad Quintanilla, Police Chief Johnnie Torres, President Molly Howlett, Village Clerk Debbie Nogle, Heath Corey. Not shown: Attorney John Gormley. Absent from the meeting Richard Mullins and Patrick Harden. Photo Credit: Digital Crumbs 

In November, Michigan voters approved a ballot proposal to legalize the sale of recreational marihuana (the state’s spelling) in the state. Now, municipalities and townships throughout the state are scrambling to enact zoning ordinances to accommodate the new law when it goes into effect at an as-yet-undetermined date in 2019.