SaultMIThe issue of Marine Services Zoning District in Sault, Michigan is back on the City Commission agenda on Monday night. The idea had been suggested to the city’s Planning Commission back in January.  A Second Reading and an Ordinance to create the district in the area of MCM Marine on East Portage Avenue will be considered.  The issue of ordinance language has resulted from a series of rezonings requested by MCM and resulting neighbourhood opposition over the last several months.  It would allow middle ground protecting residential property owners while not affecting MCM Marine’s existing business model.  At the July 20th meeting, ordinance language included disallowing the dewatering of contaminated dredging spoils.  A second version of the ordinance language is more specific — allowing the dewatering of the spoils with all applicable state and federal regulations.  There is also another slight modification that highlights the dismantling for salvage, spares or recycling of watercraft — all to be done with all applicable state and federal regulations.  Should an ordinance be approved on Monday, the subject property would have to be rezoned to establish the new district.

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There are a few other subjects on the City Commission agenda on Monday evening.  Commissioners will decide on a bid by Nomad Construction of 71 thousand dollars for general improvements to the I-500 Property.  This work includes the replacing of culverts, site work and surface restoration.  The group will also be dealing with an ordinance allowing uses in the B-3 General Business District within the I-1 and I-2 Industrial Zoning Districts.  The request focuses on a clause that opens the door for those uses only when they are convenient for people in those industrial areas.  A Little Free Library will also be talked about for Project Playground.  The local library is the idea of 11 year old Turner Callaghan and is aimed at promoting literacy through free book exchanges.