The public hearing on annexation of about a dozen properties into the City of Wayland Wednesday night has been called off as a result of the Michigan Supreme Court’s decisions against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Coronavirus orders.
Wayland City Manager Josh Eggleston said, “The annexation hearing has been canceled and will be rescheduled. I talked with the state and it appears this is due to the ever-changing situation regarding virtual meetings and meeting size limitations.”
The Supreme Court ruled that Whitmer’s executive orders to meet the challenges of Covid-19 were unconstitutional, including rules that govern how many people can meet in an enclosed building.
There was supposed to be a 21-day waiting period, but the court struck that down as well, causing its ruling to take effect immediately.
A public hearing was supposed to take place Wednesday at the Wayland High School Fine Arts Center on a petition for annexation from property owners on 12th Street along U.S.-131 from 135th Avenue to 130th Avenue. The properties are located in Hopkins Township and the Township Board has been working on establishing a Downtown Development District for that area.
The city has deliberately taken no position on the request.
Eggleston said the Wayland City Planning Commission meeting Tuesday night was called off as well, for the same reason. He indicated the meeting will be rescheduled, working with Zoning Administrator Lori Castello.
The Michigan Legislature is supposed to vote on reinstating virtual meetings this week.
“The hope is that the governor will sign tomorrow (Wednesday). If this takes place, then the City Council would still be virtual next Monday because the room is not big enough to support social distancing and have room for council, staff, press and any members of public.”
