HADLEY ESTABLISHES MORATORIUM ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Fate of Vacant Elementary School Building Also Continues to Spark
Concern by Officials

HADLEY -- Hadley Township has joined the ranks of other
municipalities around the county, approving a 90-day moratorium on
medical marijuana dispensaries at Tuesday's board meeting. The move
gives the planning commission time to develop a regulatory ordinance.

Township supervisor Ernie Monroe told residents at the meeting that
the township wants their feedback in developing the new ordinance. He
noted that township voters were in favor of medical marijuana in the
2008 general election. He said that at that time, 1,643 township
voters were in favor, and 1,079 opposed the measure.

The board considered a number of other topics as well. The fate of
the now vacant Hadley Elementary School and property continues to
concern the community. In April, Lapeer

Community Schools rejected the township's offer to purchase the
property, countering with a higher amount. Township officials
declined to offer more.

"We gave a fair market offer," said Treasurer Chris Tippen. The
township offered $120,00 with the proviso the school district
demolish the school building. In the event the township were to
oversee the demolition, they offered $80,000 for the seven-acre parcel.

After a lengthy consideration, Lapeer Community Schools (LCS)
rejected that offer saying the site was worth $220,000. "In the
spirit of municipal cooperation," they said they would be willing to
sell it to the township for $150,000.

"We pay our school taxes," said Fire Chief Kurt Nass last week. "For
them to come back with that figure is ridiculous -- absurd."

Both township officials and residents have long stressed the
importance of the property as a focal point for the community. That
sentiment continues to prevail.

The property was originally donated in 1939 with the intent the ball
fields could stay in community use. The ball fields have become
central to local culture.

Hadley Township planning commission member Glenn Walton said that he
has been in contact with LCS school board president Bill Laidlaw to
let him know that the township is still interested. Officials and
others want the school board to be aware especially if the school
board is ultimately forced to "dump" the property.

"They're well aware we're still interested in it," Walton told the
township board.

Monroe confirmed, "We're open to it and we're looking into it."

In other business, board members approved budget resolutions for
general appropriations, fire fund and first responders for the
2010-2011 fiscal year.

Board members approved chip sealing on Green Corners north of Pratt
to Stewart at a cost of $23,500, closing out the 2009-2010 road
budget. Trustee Rick Brandt noted that tree canopy trimming will be
taking place on Brigham and Cramton roads.

The township will continue to support the recycling program with
Deerfield Disposal at a cost of $1,520.

Office hours, holidays and meeting schedules were also set for the
new fiscal year. The township offices will continue to keep later
hours on Wednesdays, remaining open until 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday
and Thursday, offices will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The
office will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday.

Candidate for District 5 county commission, Dave Eady, introduced
himself to residents and board members. Eady said he wants to work to
bring more jobs to the area. He also urged passage of the E911
ballot. "It's a vital system for everybody," Eady said.