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BOYNE CITY - Closed sessions, funeral homes and a Marvin Loding presentation were among the items covered at the Oct. 9 city commission meeting.

The city manager and commissioners were asked by resident Sue Hobbs for the reason that they do not identify the topic when they go into a closed session. The answer given was that that they chose not to. Many municipalities make it standard to name the issue, without giving any further information that may jeopardize a sensitive legal or other matter.

City commissioners approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance that increases the area for locating funeral homes to the entire city, except for a portion of the marina district. Funeral homes are allowed as a conditional use in the Traditional Residential District, Rural Estate District, the Transitional Commercial District and the Regional Commercial/Industrial District. The amendment changes funeral homes from a use by right to a conditional use in the General Commercial District.

The city planning commission held a public hearing for the amendment on Aug. 20 and the first reading by the board of commissioners was held on Aug. 28. With the Oct. 9 second reading the amendment was enacted. It becomes effective Oct. 24.

Resident and community activist, Nancy Cunningham, is the recipient of this year's Marvin Loding award. The award was presented at the meeting and recognizes her work with the Friends of Boyne River bank stabilization project and other volunteer community activities.

Fire Chief Dennis Amesbury announced that on Oct. 2, the fire department held the annual election of officers. All officers maintain current positions. The terms are one year. Dennis Amesbury is fire chief, Jack Bush is assistant fire chief, Ray Leist is captain and James Farley is lieutenant.

Halloween Trick or Treat hours are 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31. The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for noon, Tuesday, Oct. 23.