At Wednesday’s Houghton City Council meeting, a raft of items were brought before the panel, including new liquor and marijuana licenses, local paving projects, and an alteration of the fire department’s bylaws. The body approved a permit for a tasting room, similar to the Keweenaw Brewing Company, for a new establishment in town. Houghton Spirits is preparing to open at 318 Sheldon Avenue downtown.
The council set the fee for marijuana license renewal at $2,500. It was pointed out by manager Eric Waara that there would soon be three pot shops in the city, compared to the one operator that conducted business over the past year.
Two-and-a-quarter miles of local streets will be paved and surveying crews from the Department of Public Works, along with UP Engineers and Architects, have already been seen along Sharon Avenue in particular. The cost for the work is expected to be $1 million, which will be paid from the Local Street Fund and taxes generated by the Sharon Avenue TIFA district.
The Houghton Fire Department asked for a change in the bylaws to include a new engineer position for younger members. Robert Megowan says that it allows new hires to learn the ropes quickly.
Engineers will be expected to maintain the equipment, as well as operate it at the scene of a fire.