Pinckney council adds a marijuana retail license, then adopts resolution authorizing two licenses

PINCKNEY, Mich. — The Village of Pinckney council voted Feb. 19 to add a second marijuana retail license and unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-8 setting conditions for issuing two retailer licenses.

Village President J. Buerman opened the special meeting at 7:00 p.m. and reviewed the village’s history of marijuana regulation before proposing that the council add one more retail license. Councilmember Kane moved to add the license, and Buerman seconded. The motion passed 4-3. Councilmembers Bierman, Conquest and Hochertz voted no; Self, Coppersmith, Kane and Buerman voted yes.

The council then considered Resolution 2026-8, "Resolution Approving (2) Marijuana Retailer Licenses and Establishing Conditions of Issuance and Special Land Use Validity." Kane moved to accept the resolution with changes; Self seconded. The measure passed in a unanimous roll call vote.

Why it matters: The council’s votes change the number of retail marijuana licenses allowed in the village and adopt a formal resolution that sets conditions for issuing those licenses and addresses special land use validity. That alters the local regulatory framework for retail marijuana operators and triggers the next steps in licensing and land-use review.

What speakers said: During the public comment period, Kirk Lytwyn raised concerns about potential biases in the rubric and processes used to evaluate marijuana license applicants. Rick Beaudin told the council he opposed having more than one retail license in the village. Jim Jensen, speaking as a member of the Village Cannabis Committee, said the committee had thoroughly reviewed applicants and “put in their best efforts.” After the votes, at the public forum Lytwyn said he was "playing games," expressing extreme disappointment in the board’s decision.

Procedural note: The transcript records a procedural question about whether the Village President could make motions. Attorney Stoker advised that the President could make motions but should first step down from chairing the meeting. Kane then made the motion to add the license and Buerman seconded.

What happens next: Resolution 2026-8 establishes conditions of issuance and special land use validity; the resolution’s adoption is the council’s formal authorization to proceed under those conditions. The meeting record shows the council adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

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Votes at a glance • Motion to add an additional retail marijuana license: Passed 4-3. Yes — Self, Coppersmith, Kane, Buerman. No — Bierman, Conquest, Hochertz. • Resolution 2026-8 (approve two marijuana retailer licenses and set conditions): Passed by unanimous roll call vote.