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EDWARDSBURG — The Edwardsburg Village Council resumed discussions about rental processes for the Gunn Park shelter, staff pay increases and a revision to the village cannabis ordinance at their regular monthly meeting on Monday.

The cannabis discussion was prompted by a prospective business interested in the property of the former Maple Cafe. In order for another cannabis dispensing operation to open in the village, the ordinance would need to be changed to three licenses from the current two. There was little interest from the council in changing the ordinance, in spite of their gratitude for the business’ interest in Edwardsburg. Among the concerns raised were market saturation and previous legal issues the village faced when changing marijuana ordinances. It was also noted that, even if the ordinance were changed, the process would have to be opened up to bids from any cannabis business, not just the one interested in the cafe building.

Village President Dennis Peak proposed pay raises for village staff and opened discussion of returning the hourly village clerk position to salary, as it had been in the past. Peak noted that while staff has received an annual incremental pay increase, a cost of living adjustment hasn’t been revised in four years. He proposed a $1 an hour increase for all full time employees. Trustee Kellen Van Hulle also proposed an additional $1 an hour raise for Water Superintendent Rich Low for his increased workload and responsibility in relation to the new iron filtration plant and for leading the Department of Public Works.

“He has done a very nice job of putting in the time and effort in making sure the water for our village is good,” said Van Hulle.

A formal resolution regarding the pay increases and the possible shift for the treasurer position will be brought to the March meeting for a vote.

The Parks board is resuming work on rental processes for the Gunn Park shelter in anticipation of the coming spring. The board will continue to discuss how much to charge, as well as how to handle deposits, waivers, cleaning, and liability and bring a plan to the council.

The council approved the adoption of the Ontwa Township and Village of Edwardsburg Joint Master Plan, as well as several amendments in order to balance the budget. They also approved the village portion of the 2025-2026 Police Budget and an increase in the Crossing Guard Salary.

A variety of problems with local trash pickup were discussed, including cans being left in the street. Residents were encouraged to let the village know about continuing problems so the village could contact Borden Waste-Away Service regarding service issues.

The Village Council will meet to discuss the upcoming budget one last time on Monday, March 10th at 6 p.m. A public hearing regarding the budget will take place during the next regular board meeting on Monday, March 17th at the Edwardsburg Village Hall. The regular meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with the public hearing starting at 6:15 p.m.