NORWAY — The Norway City Council on Monday adopted an ordinance that will allow marijuana establishments to open within city limits.

While the state in 2018 approved allowing recreational marijuana sales, Norway citizens 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.

But the council revisited its decision Dec. 7, with Mayor Candy Brew, council members Jeff Muraro, Scott Popp and former member Jeremy Oja voting to amend.

The council had a first reading of the ordinance on Feb. 15 and second reading March 4.

Before a public hearing April 5, City Attorney Grant Carlson described drafting the ordinance as a three-step process involving zoning, enforcement and administration.

City Manager Ray Anderson told The Daily News he and Carlson still are working on the administrative details of the ordinance, which takes effect May 19.

After the ordinance is enacted, the city will have a 45-day waiting period before accepting applications. During that time, an independent, three-person committee will be established that has 60 days to review and score those applications, Anderson said.

The council voted 4-1 in favor of the ordinance, with only Bret Kraemer opposed.

In other business, the council:

— Heard from Norway Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dave Bal on the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Association, which coordinates mutual aid in fire protection, suppression, rescue and emergency medical assistance, hazardous materials control and other support for emergencies, disasters or other threats to public health and safety. A motion on whether to join the program will be considered at the

next council meeting May 17.

— Contracted with the Michigan Municipal League to conduct a search for City Manager Ray Anderson’s successor at a cost not to exceed $17,000. Anderson announced in February he will retire in October after 20 years in the position.

— Authorized buying a new backhoe from McCoy Construction and Forestry for no more than $129,700. The backhoe was a budgeted purchase for the city’s water department. A $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development will offset the cost, along with $30,000 from auctioning off equipment in 2020, Anderson said.

— Hired Beck’s Ornamental and Turf Management Inc. of Norway to install an irrigation system, level topsoil, hydroseed and install an infield at the new softball field at Marion Park for not more than $24,373.78.

— Contracted Sikora Sheet Metal Inc. and Midwest Redi-Mix Inc. of Iron Mountain for mechanical and concrete repairs, respectively, to fix a water leak in the chemical room at the wastewater treatment plant for a total of $5,442. The project will cost the city $250, as the broken water line otherwise is covered by insurance.

— Passed a resolution to increase pay rates for first-year seasonal employees from $11 to $12, with a 50-cent increase every year those employees return. Rates for fifth-year employees and beyond are capped at $14 an hour.

In the same resolution, the council also increased the flat fee paid to each board of review member from $200 to $250 and allowed Brian Pellegrini and Tim Brew to install water meters in the city for $50 per meter. The council waived a section of the city charter prohibiting public officials having private financial interest in a public contract to allow Brew to assist Pellegrini, as Brew is married to the mayor. The council said waiving the prohibition was in the best interest of the public as Pellegrini’s bid was $200 less than a competing bid. Mayor Brew abstained from voting.

— Proclaimed this past Sunday through Saturday as Drinking Water Week after a request from the American Water Works Association. The proclamation was made in recognition of the importance of water in daily life, to inform citizens of safe drinking water practices as well as provide tips on water conservation and safety.

— Also proclaimed Sunday through May 15 as National Police Week and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in recognition of the law enforcement community.

— Recognized May 16 through May 22 as Public Works Week as tribute to public works professionals, engineers, managers and employees.

— Also recognized May as National Bike Month, May 17 through May 23 as National Bike to Work Week and May 21 as National Bike to Work Day.

— Approved a special event application for Music in the Park, allowing the 900 block of Main Street and Ninth Avenue to be closed during the series, which is planned for 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays from June 10 to August 12.

At a previous meeting, the council:

— Approved a change order request to the Sturgeon Falls Hydroelectric Facility Unit 4 generator repair project at a cost not to exceed $10,000. The change order will pay for reconfiguring the unit’s stabilizer arms to avoid recurring repairs. The total project cost is not to exceed $99,350. Council members Kraemer and Popp voted against the motion, saying repairs should be considered preventative maintenance.

— Authorized $6,714 to buy new overhead doors for the east and west sides of the hydroelectric plant from Delta Door Company in Gladstone. The purchase is a budgeted item.

— Accepted a $15,000 offer to purchase Lot 1 of the Oak Crest subdivision, pursuant to city sale policy.

— Appointed Laura Hyde-Smith to the City of Norway Planning Commission with a term expiring in December 2023.

— Approved special event applications for the annual citywide garage sale May 22 and the Lions Club’s annual picnic at Marion Park on July 11.

— Passed a resolution authorizing Brew and City Clerk Trisha Plante to reach an understanding between the city and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 906 on conditions for Department of Public Works Water Supervisor Dave Bal’s acceptance in the IBEW Supervisors Union.