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Norway for now will not alter its ordinance to let commercial marijuana businesses operate within city limits.
The city council balked this week at authorizing staff to draft a potential new ordinance that would end restrictions on legal marijuana establishments in Norway.
A recent survey mailed out with the city's utility bills drew 286 responses, with 185 opposed to and 101 favoring -- a 65% to 35% split -- lifting the ban, said Ray Anderson, city manager.
While the state in 2018 approved allowing recreational marijuana sales, Norway in that election voted against the move, 641 no to 541 yes. The council cited that opposition in passing an ordinance in December 2018 to forbid marijuana businesses in Norway.
Yet it came back up for debate after a representative of Ottawa Innovations LLC approached city officials in July about opening one of its Higher Love retail marijuana stores in Norway. They intended to construct a facility on U.S. 2 next to The Garden Place.
The same company is working on a storefront in Crystal Falls and plans a growing and processing facility in that city's industrial park.
Some council members had signaled they might be open to changing the ordinance, saying the city otherwise could lose out on revenue from a business already gaining a foothold in neighboring communities.
"It's here; it's not going anywhere," said council member Scott Popp, adding, "if the city can make any kind of money off it … let's allow it."
Council member Jeff Muraro echoed that opinion, saying this would let the city and state exercise some control. "It's here; it's legalized in the state, like alcohol."
But Popp and Muraro split with Mayor Candy Brew and Bret Kraemer on rejecting the move outright, leaving the measure unresolved. Both Brew and Kraemer cited the lack of support shown in the public vote and survey.
The tie vote does allow for revisiting the issue in the future, said Grant Carlson, the city's attorney.
The council Monday also unanimously accepted member Lee Meneghini's resignation, effective immediately, with thanks for his service.
In a letter to the council, Meneghini said he was stepping down after 11 years -- his second stint on the council -- because "recent personal issues are making it impossible for me to carry out the duties, and the demands that I feel the position requires."
The city will accept applications to fill Meneghini's vacancy through 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, with the council expected to make a choice during its meeting that evening.
An application can be obtained at City Hall or online at https://www.norwaymi.gov.