∫ At its Aug.2 meeting the Alpena Municipal Council voted to set the fee for the Alpena Regional Trailhead Pavilion to a $100 refundable deposit and $75 rent. Voted to modify the fence permit fee to $35, with Mayor Matt Waligora abstaining from the vote. Voted to adopt memorandum of understanding with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to achieve Redevelopment Ready Communities Recertification. Denise Cline, Deputy Director/Chief Planner of Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, presented proposed zoning amendments to articles No. 2, 3, 5, and 7 of the City of Alpena zoning ordinance. No action taken at this time as first reading of this ordinance will be on a future agenda. Councilmember Amber Hess initiated discussion on allowing recreational marijuana facilities within the city. City Manager, Rachel Smolinski, and staff will bring additional information to the Council in a future meeting. Voted to approve forbearance agreement with Decorative Panels International pending their signature.

∫ At the July 26 meeting of the Alpena Township Board of Trustees took the following action. Voted to accept a letter of resignation from Fire Chief Dave Robbins effective Aug. 31 and to advertise for the open position. Supervisor Nathan Skibbe informed the board he had received an offer of $190,000 for two of the township’s ambulances, but the board held off on selling them until after a new fire chief is hired. Voted to accept bids for lawn maintenance for the three township owned water towers. Was introduces amendments to Ordinance 137, which is the township’s blight ordinance. The changes will impact violations and penalties.