ALMA WILL KEEP MARIJUANA ORDINANCE IN PLACE

If anyone asks Alma officials about creating a medical marijuana
dispensary or a growing operation within the city, that individual
will be told that it's against the city ordinance.

After contacting several cities to request information about their
medical marijuana ordinances, Alma City Manager Phil Moore said it
was learned that Livonia has a similar ordinance to Alma's. Namely,
that no business can operate in the city unless it does so obeying
the city, state and federal laws.

Although Michigan voters approved selling and cultivating marijuana
for medical reasons, it is still against federal law.

Moore said he met with the planning commission Monday and told them
about the ordinance. The planning commission's decision was to let
the law stand as is.

"We'll sit back and see what the rest of the state does," he said.

Noting that there could be challenges to the city's decision, Moore
said it was possible there could be challenges no matter what the
city chose to do.

Livonia's ordinance is being challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union.

In another matter, Moore said that Department of Natural Resources
and Energy officials remain optimistic that Alma will receive both
low interest loans it is trying to obtain for its citywide sewer
system upgrade.

But in order to get the loans, the city has to show that it is ready
to begin work, which is why commissioners approved more than $19,000
Tuesday evening for a surveying and preliminary field review.

Also in order to receive the loans, Alma must submit certain
documents and reports beginning Oct. 1 and throughout the rest of this year.

"We are going to be ready one way or another," Moore said.

The first part of the entire project will be Mechanic Street, where
the most severe problems exist, he said.

In another matter, Downtown Development Director Aeric Ripley asked
for and received city commission approval to apply for federal grants
through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

The money would be used to create upper story apartments in the
downtown commercial area.

In 2005, Alma received money to create eight downtown apartments.
This time, the city is asking for $210,000 that will provide $35,000
for each of six apartments. The money will be given to the property
owners but they have to provide more than 25 percent of the cost of
the total project.

There are some strings attached.

Property owners requesting those funds have to provide the city with
proof of financing and the drawings must be approved by city officials.

The apartments have to be inspected by city officials too. Property
owners also have to have a special use permit.

The apartments must be at least 700 square feet in size.

Ripley said the apartments built in 2005 are all filled.