ESCANABA — Examining plans for the retail sale of marijuana in Escanaba is moving to the city’s Planning Commission. The Escanaba Planning Commission is meeting next week to discuss some of the ideas brought forth by the council as to where retail marijuana shops should be located in the city.

The Escanaba City Council heard an update of the topic at its meeting Thursday night. At a previous special meeting, a map was developed to show where retail marijuana shops might possibly be located. The map included a 1,000 foot buffer zone from any school, church, library or daycare in the city.

The buffer zone vastly reduced the areas where marijuana shops could be located.

Thursday, Council Member Karen Moore suggested a zone option could also be feasible. Under a zone option, marijuana shops would only be allowed to be located in a certain section of the city. The Lincoln Road corridor was used as an example.

In other business, council:

– postponed a decision to condemn the property at 1002 Stephenson Ave, until the July 21 council meeting

– declined to condemn property at 630 1st Ave. S. because the property owners have hired a firm to demolish the remaining structures there.

– tabled renewal of a fire protection agreement with Wells Township until it is reviewed by the city attorney.

– instructed the city manager to continue negotiations for a request to purchase city property at 419 S. 32nd St. The bid price was $22,500. The city assessor’s appraisal was $34,00 and a private appraisal was $36,000.

– approved installing no parking signs on the south side of the 2600 and 2700 blocks of 1st Avenue South.

– approved a road closure of the 2100 block of 3rd Place by Great Lakes Federal Credit Union for its annual Member Appreciation day.

– approved purchase of a service truck by the electric department for $219,635 through the MIDeal program.

– approved allowing the water department to hire contractors to conduct lead service line replacements at a rate of $3,100 for a half service and $5,900 for an entire service per site.

– entered into closed session to discuss a written legal opinion and the annual review and evaluation of City manager Patrick Jordan.