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The Imlay City Commission's public hearing was requested by Commissioner John Lengemann and more than 20 people attended. He questioned what the ordinance achieves.

"When I look at laws I look at purpose," Lengemann, an attorney, said. "If I were talking intoxication we have ways to control behavior. It concerns me if I was standing out on the sidewalk (consuming an alcoholic beverage it would be illegal) and if I step on the grass I'm not in violation. I don't see a goal of the law."

The city's ordinance for alcoholic beverages-open containers said it's unlawful to have alcohol on any public street, sidewalk, or alley within Imlay City.

"Our ordinance says no alcohol in parks except by permit. The ordinance only allows alcohol by permit in Lions' Park," said Imlay City Manager Amy Planck.

Imlay City resident Doris Muir said was strongly opposed to amending the ordinance. "We disagree on amending the ordinance. I'm not against beer, but there's a place," she said.

Imlay City resident Stu Davis said he thought changing the ordinance would put a heavy burden on the police department. "Everyone with a drink in their hand is questionable if they're 21 or intoxicated. I think we're looking for trouble," he said. "About two meetings ago the commission was upset about complicating ordinances and we're back to it."

Imlay City resident and Lapeer County Commissioner Ian Kempf said he thought the law is more of a protest against alcohol. "We have two businesses downtown with package liquor licenses," Kempf said. "It seems to me to repeal this you can then go out on a bench and have a beer. I don't think that's what we want."

Imlay City Police Chief John Stano said repealing the ordinance would not be a good idea from a law enforcement standpoint. "As the police department, we will deal with the ordinance in place. I think this invites trouble," Stano told the commission. "Removing this ordinance removes a tool. We have eight officers and are limited with manpower."

The commission voted noted to repeal the ordinance and Lengemann dissented.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.