Residents urge flexible marijuana rules, thank city for demolition work; DDA previews New Year’s Eve events

Several residents used the public-comment period to press the commission on local policy and community events.

Mike Zubis urged the city to update its medical-marijuana ordinance and allow dispensaries and testing facilities within Mount Clemens, suggesting dispensaries be placed on second floors for added security and proposing a 3-to-1 ratio of dispensaries to testing facilities. "I feel like dispensaries should be in the city," Zubis said, adding that testing facilities should be separate from dispensaries to reduce the risk of collusion.

Zubis also addressed the recent FCC net-neutrality decision and suggested local options: lawsuits to challenge the FCC action or federal legislation that would supersede the ruling. No staff response proposing immediate code changes was recorded in the meeting.

Ruthie Stevenson thanked city staff and named individuals for their role in a demolition at North Gratiot and Robertson, saying the project had been difficult but was finally completed with significant city assistance.

Mickey Weise, representing the Downtown Development Authority, announced details for the DDA’s annual New Year’s Eve gala and the children’s "Never Never Land" event, including times, entertainment, a warming center location at 70 Macomb Place, and ticket and raffle information.

Commissioners used their remarks to promote free Narcan distribution and training sessions scheduled for January through March (contact information provided), to thank staff for snow-emergency and other responses, and to encourage local support for veterans’ groups and holiday events. No formal policy changes or ordinance amendments were adopted during public comment.