Menominee council convened Tuesday as a committee of the whole to debate cannabis licensing, sparking a 30‑minute, high‑energy discussion that exposed deep divisions among members and the public.
Council Debates License Cap and Voter Input
Mayor Casey Hoffman argued the market should stay uncapped, saying competition will naturally trim failing stores and that a seven‑license ceiling can be reached through attrition.
Council member Joe Dulak warned the issue is too complex for a voter decision, urging the council to craft a “fundamentally sound” policy on the council’s behalf.
Steve Fifarek charged the ballot initiative’s backers with undermining the voters’ twice‑approved limits, calling their petition “shameful” and insisting the council must respect the public’s prior votes.
Hoffman pushed back, asserting voters retain the right to change their minds and that the council should not block a legitimate election.
City Manager Brett Botbyl noted the council’s recent legal battles have driven insurance premiums up $100,000 in a year, raising concerns about taxpayer costs if litigation continues.
Public Comment Highlights
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Public Comment Highlights
Paragraph 11: “Bird, representing the ballot initiative’s sponsors, criticized Fifarek’s remarks and warned that escalating insurance will deter new businesses from locating in Menominee.” Count: Bird,1 representing2 the3 ballot4 initiative’s5 sponsors,6 criticized7 Fifarek’s8 remarks9 and17 warned19 that21 escalating21 insurance22 will21 deter19 new21 businesses21 from21 locating21 Menominee? Wait count again:
Let’s recount: Bird, (1) representing (2) the (5) ballot (5? actually “initiative’s” counts as one) sponsors (5) comma 6, criticized (9) Fifarek’s (9) remarks (18) and (18) warned(18) that(18) escalating(18) insurance(1
