The City of Menominee violates Open Meetings Act and passes a marijuana resolution in one council meeting

At promptly 6pm opening statements were given to an overflowing council chamber at last evenings City of Menominee council meeting by Mayor Jean Stegeman saying, “we’re in violation of the Open Meetings Act.” After an explanation to the council by city Attorney Michael Celello as to why they are not in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. The council voted to move forward with the meeting. While approving the evening’s agenda, councilperson William Plemel moved for the approval to amend the agenda by asking to add a resolution expressing city council’s desire to enact an ordinance amending the marihuana establishments ordinance to authorize a total of seven marihuana retailer establishments. City Attorney Celello says, “are you voting on whether to settle lawsuits that you’ve won every step of the way on?”

Mayor Stegeman says, “I am so disappointed at what transpired at tonight’s city council meeting; with the addition to the agenda regarding marihuana settlement. I am so disappointed.”

While the marihuana resolution narrowly passed, it does open the city up for potential lawsuits and although the city still faces the violation of the Open Meetings Act, this could benefit them, if they have to repeat the meeting.