COUNTY BOARD SET TO EXAMINE POT MORATORIUM

CORUNNA - The Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners Thursday will
consider passing a six-month extension to its moratorium on medical
marijuana dispensaries.

The moratorium, originally passed by the board in August 2010, was to
last six months and affect property under the county's zoning
jurisdiction. Cities within the county, as well as the townships of
Owosso and Caledonia, handle their own zoning regulations.

Community Development Director Peter Preston said the county planning
commission is in the process of developing new zoning regulations to
keep up with state law. The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was
approved by voters in 2008.

The commission asked for the six-month moratorium last year in case
any businesses approached the county before the new zoning ordinances
were laid out. The regulations are still being hammered out.

The extension, if approved during Thursday's board of commissioners
meeting, would give zoning officials until this August.

"Our intention is to get this wrapped up," County Administrator
Margaret McAvoy said.

Currently in the Shiawassee County area, moratoriums also exist in
Ovid, Caledonia Township and the city of Durand. Council members in
Ovid recently discussed changing the village's rules to require
blacked-out windows, surveillance cameras and security guards for
caregiver facilities.

Owosso City Council members Monday voted against a moratorium for the
second time by a 5-2 vote. Owosso Township officials are still
mulling their options.