Hazel Park council approves zoning, solicitation ordinance updates and consent items; moves to executive session

The Hazel Park City Council approved several housekeeping and policy items during its Aug. 12 meeting and voted to meet in closed session to consult with legal counsel on pending litigation.

Administration asked the council to approve a zoning ordinance amendment on second reading. An administration representative noted Mister Finkley was in the audience for questions; a councilmember moved approval and a second was recorded. The council passed the zoning amendment on second reading.

Council also approved amendments to the city’s Do Not Knock Solicitation Ordinance (codified as Chapter 5.57) intended to prepare the ordinance for codification. Administration described the changes as housekeeping to bring the ordinance into compliance with codification requirements; a councilmember moved the amendment and it passed.

The council approved the consent agenda (items 1–14) by motion. A councilmember asked whether item 14 was budgeted; staff said funds were available to cover the item and the consent motion passed.

Council considered several business-license applicants and, with no representatives present to object, moved and passed approval for the listed licenses.

Near the end of the meeting the city manager requested an executive session "with Michael Berger from our firm, law firm to discuss Die versus Hazel Park." A motion to go into executive session was made and supported by council members; the body accepted the motion and prepared to move to a closed session.

Votes at a glance: zoning ordinance amendment (second reading) — approved; Do Not Knock Solicitation Ordinance amendment (Chapter 5.57) — approved; Consent agenda items 1–14 — approved; business licenses listed on the agenda — approved; motion to enter executive session regarding Die v. Hazel Park — approved.

Next steps: the council moved to adjourn to executive session for legal consultation with its counsel.