The Dorr Township Board Thursday night decided to take a “wait and see” attitude on the issue of allowing local marijuana dispensaries, but it was clear officials are opposed to them.

After voters statewide approved a ballot proposal by a 55% to 45% margin in the Nov. 6 general election, recreational marijuana will be legal, but local municipalities can vote to opt out of permitting the growing, cultivating, sale and distribution of the substance within their boundaries. Martin Township already has instructed its attorney to craft an ordinance with such a prohibition.

Trustee Terri Rios was the local official who insisted Dorr take a stand against pot to get ahead of the issue.

But Treasurer Jim Martin and Trustees Dan Weber and Josh Otto said it might be wiser to table the issue until the state develops the rules and regulations.

Over Rios’ objections, Martin insisted that no one can legally set up a distribution shop or create a massive growing operation because there are no rules in place to permit it. Fines for those who do can be for up to $500 per day.

Rios and Supervisor Jeff Miling voted in the minority in a 5-2 vote to postpone any decision.

In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, the board:

• Agreed to permit the Township Parks Commission to use the remaining 17.5% of of its 2019-19 budget to buy and have installed a surveillance system from ADT that includes video camera to help catch vandals in the park.

Trooper Scott Sholander from the Wayland post of the Michigan State Police said, “From a law enforcement perspective, just the cameras themselves will serve as a huge deterrent.”

Cost will be $102 per month for the service and $1,300 for installation, which the commission will absorb, but thanks to insistence by Trustee Josh Otto, the township will pick up the rest of the tab for now because the security system for public property is important to all of the township.

• Was told by Martin that Dorr Township this year is on track to receive $610,000 in state aid payments, which is about 60 percent of the township’s annual revenue in the budget.

• Learned from Allegan County Recycling Director Rosemary Graham that Bob’s Disposal has been bought out by Arrowaste, which for now will continue the same service for the same price, but curbside service may be reduced from twice to once per month.

• Was told by Fire Chief Gary Fordham that the new truck is being prepped in Wisconsin and he expects delivery soon. Meanwhile, the old Engine No. 10 will be sold.

• Unanimously approved a rezoning request from John Scholten for Award Enterprises behind the gas station near the U.S.-131 expressway, from agricultural to mixed use industrial.

• Was told by Clerk Debbie Sewers that Dorr Township had a 64.5% voter turnout in the Nov. 6 general election. She said township hall suffered through congestion and there is consideration for adding another voting precinct in 2020.

• Rejected a request from Rios to change the date of the Thursday, Dec. 27, meeting to Thursday, Dec. 20.

Miling said, “If we start moving our meetings around just for one person, I’m not on board with changing it. This meeting’s date was set a year ago.”

• Agreed to the meetings schedule for 2019, with all sessions set for 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month except for March 21, Oct. 24, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19.