Blogging from the Shores Council

Your St. Clair Shores Patch is attempting something new for Monday's city council meeting - blogging from the meeting chambers.

We will providing updates during the meeting.

St. Joan of Arc receives approval from council to hold the 42nd Spring Festival May 20-22.

7:48 p.m.

Sailing Thru the Shores 5k run before the Memorial Day parade is approved. The run along the parade route raises scholarships for the three districts. Last year the run attracted 330 participants.

Council also approved the St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade starting at 1 p.m. May 29. The parade will run on Jefferson from 9 Mile to 11 Mile.

8:21 p.m.

Council now considering amendment to the zoning ordinance for renewable energy sources (windmills and solar panels) and electric vehicles.

In discussions about wind turbines, a wind farm size turbine in the Shores is unlikely because they require 8 acres of land.

If the ordinance is passed, the city's consultant may draft a "green handbook" for residents and business according to Liz Koto, city planner.

8:43 p.m.

Council votes to table the amendment to the zoning ordinance for renewable energy and electric vehicles.

8:47 p.m.

Council beginning discussion on review of the moratorium on the location of medical marijuana facilities in the Shores.

8:52 p.m.

City attorney says the city can do nothing and allow them, ban, regulate, obtain further clarification or extend moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries.

8:56 p.m.

Council approves 180 day extension of the moratorium on the location of medical marijuana dispensaries in the Shores.

9:04 p.m.

Council considering projects to be funded by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant energy improvements.

9:17 p.m.

Among energy efficiency projects being considered with grant: vestibule for the DPW, new windows for the police department and replace light fixtures. A $9,359 proposal for a shower at city hall for employees who bicycle is being asked to be removed from the projects.

9:24 p.m.

Council approved the energy efficiency bids, sans the shower in city hall.

9:30 p.m.

City council about to discuss purchase of a fourth ambulance for the fire department.

9:36 p.m.

Running a third ambulance has provided the city about $10,000 a month in revenue, but there is no vehicle in reserve. If the city were to purchase a new ambulance, about $65,000 would be pulled from the department budget and about $135,000 from the sale of HUD homes.

9:57 p.m.

Council discussing the purchase of another ambulance with Michael Smith, assistant city manager, and George Morehouse, fire chief. Much of it surrounds the impact another ambulance would have on extending longevity of current ambulance and other uses from proceeds of the sales of HUD homes.

10:10 p.m.

Council votes to table the purchase of a fourth ambulance for the fire department.

10:46 p.m.

Council approves $2 admission for residents and non-residents and $5 for parking in Veterans Memorial Parking lot for the fireworks show.

10:58 p.m.

Council learns that the restaurant going into the former Izzy's on Harper, at California, will be a diner-style restaurant. No opening date set.

11:21 p.m.

Residents ask for help from others in the Shores to find their yellow lab Maple. He has been missing for over a week and needs his heart medication. He is missing is front upper tooth. If someone has seen him, or may be caring for him, please call (586)381-4009.

11:30 p.m.

Husband of senior allegedly during home invasion thanks the police for their quick, calming response when called after the incident.

11:41 p.m.

Council wraps for the night.