Constantine Village Council voted 7-0 Monday to approve the final draft of a proposed adult-use marijuana ordinance to submit to county clerk Lindsay Oswald.

The council has discussed details in the proposed ordinance since a decision in May to put recreational marijuana on the Nov. 3 ballot, at a May 18 meeting.

Village manager Mark Honeysett said he would consult with Oswald about ballot language before the Aug. 11 deadline.

The proposal states for the first two years after the date of adoption, only businesses that currently have medical marijuana permits from the village are eligible for recreational permits.

Trustee Cathy Piper asked if there is a way to keep large corporations dealing with recreational marijuana out of the village after the two years.

Honeysett said, “There’s nothing preventing (big business) of recreational marijuana from trying to come in later. I’m not suggesting you keep the big ones out; that could possibly result in their filing a lawsuit.”

The council approved 11 licenses for medical marijuana over two years ago. Of those, only seven are considered still “active.” There is a $5,000 annual fee for each permit. The council approved two microbusinesses at a July 6 meeting. Unlimited transporters are allowed.

Other news from the council meeting:

Honeysett discussed a proposed traffic control order for Constantine public schools. Augu. 24 is the first day of school.
Superintendent James Wisely, working with high school principal Travis Walker, officer Holly Cerny, Lt. Jason Therrien and transportation director Penny Carper, are discussing the workability of a plan to pick students up at the high school, then Riverside Elementary School, the middle school and, lastly, Eastside Elementary School. Buses will stop at all four school buildings, he said. “If put into practice, I will ask you to approve traffic control to prohibit northbound traffic on White Pigeon Road from roughly 3-3:30 p.m. on school days to allow buses to move freely without congestion from northbound traffic.” Honeysett said the final traffic plan will be presented to the council on Aug. 17.
A public hearing to receive feedback about a proposed retail fraud ordinance was rescheduled for 7:03 p.m. Aug. 17. The proposed ordinance makes retail fraud under $200 a municipal civil infraction.
A final report regarding the can/bottle return program showed $3,296 was netted for the Fourth of July fireworks fundraiser.