PORTLAND COUNCIL APPROVES MARIJUANA ORDINANCE

PORTLAND, Mich. - Portland will see a new ordinance that will allow
for medical marijuana users the opportunity for home use, but not for
commercial use within the city.

Portland members approved the ordinance with a 4 to 1 vote in favor,
with council member Steve Calley opposing.

Calley stated that he would prefer to wait to hear from the state and
other communities before adopting such an ordinance.

"It's like we are trail-blazing the way," said Calley. "I would
rather see how some of it plays out and see what the state implements."

One of Calley's concerns was the possibility of property near a
residence being used for medical marijuana declining in value.

The ordinance adds definitions for marijuana, marijuana collective,
cooperative, dispensary and medical use of marijuana.

"It also amends home occupation regulations regarding medical
marijuana caregivers," said City Manager Thomas Dempsey. "The
ordinance provides for lawful implementation of the Michigan Medical
Marihuana Act, but the ordinance does not permit commercial operations."

The ordinance states that home occupations will be approved by the
zoning administrator, "who will issue a certificate of occupancy
specifying the use, size and the specific measures by which
compliance with this section will be maintained by the home
occupation and provided the requirements of the residential district are met."

Only members of the family living in the home are able to engage in
connection with the growing process, and not more than 25 percent or
500 square feet of the dwelling unit can be used to grow. If the
marijuana growing is in an accessory building, not more than 50
percent of the floor space or 500 square feet may be used. In both
cases, which ever is the lower number will be permissible.

Other regulations involve not changing the appearance of the
building, rules for traffic and parking and times of operation.

During presentations, Downtown Development Authority Director and
Main Street Manager Patrick Reagan told the council about a sign
incentive grant, and looking at restoring the old Opera House located
on Kent Street.

"It's the smallest steps right now; we are not looking at a big
project, but trying to engage in public support," said Reagan. "This
is going to be a long project, and we already have some volunteers
that expressed interest (in restoring the Opera House)."

In 2009, Portland's Cool City intern did a basic feasibility study on
how the building could be used. The premise could be used as a
gathering place, a theater or something else.

The Portland Main Street Program's Economic Revitalization Committee
meets at 8 a.m. every fourth Thursday of the month.

In other business, council members approved an ordinance creating an
Office and Research Form Based District on the property located at
Cutler Road and Grand River Avenue.

Council members also approved increasing the rate for residential
trash pick up for 2011.

The rates will go up 8 cents for a large cart, 7 cents for a small
cart and 2 cents for bag tags.