ESCANABA — The Escanaba City Council will vote on allowing commercial marijuana sales in the city at its meeting Thursday.

Several items pertaining to marijuana are on Thursday’s agenda.

The first is adoption of an ordinance authorizing and regulating adult-use marihuana establishments. This is the second reading of the ordinance. The first was held at the Sept. 1 council meeting.

The second is an ordinance amending the zoning ordinance authorizing and regulating adult-use marihuana establishments. The zoning ordinance previously approved by the city’s planning commission outlines where specific classifications of marijuana establishments can operate based on the city’s zoning. A second reading and a vote on that ordinance will take place at the Sept. 15 city council meeting, but no public hearing will be held, as public hearings already took place at the planning commission level.

The council will also hear an update on efforts regarding the sale and development of the old jail and chamber of commerce sites. This has become a standing agenda item at council meetings.

Other agenda items include:

– awarding a contract to McLean Engineering to evaluate the existing pole attachment agreements to make certain Michigan statutes are being met for a cost not to exceed $2000

– The U.S. Coast Guard has requested to continue its priority lease with the City of Escanaba for the use of the Municipal Dock. This will be a one-year lease that allows for annual extensions through 2042.

– The city administration is requesting the city council to approve the cost and payment of $1,335 to Pearson Asbestos Abatement for the demolition/removal of asbestos containing material from the residential home located at 1607 North 20th Street. The home was struck by lightning mid-summer of 2021 and condemned by the council on June 2, 2022. The costs were included in the estimated demolition cost of the structure.

– The council will be going into closed session to discuss a written legal opinion from its attorney.

The Escanaba City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. and is held in council chambers at Escanaba City Hall.