When Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow asked city clerk Terri Berry to read the ordinance about amendments to the MIC overlay, she resonded enthusiastically.

“There is nothing I would rather do right now,” Berry said.

Discussion on the matter lasted more than three hours during Monday’s regular meeting of the city council and capped off months of debate, discussion and confusion.

At a May 10 study session members of the public addressed council about concerns they had over the MIC overlay. Council planned to adopt amendments to the ordinance at the meeting, but in the wake of public concern and the public’s request to receive more information, a special meeting was held on May 15 and the amendments were tabled.

The special meeting resulted in a number of amendments being proposed to the ordinance and council addressed amendments one by one.

Amendment I allows certain types of indoor commercial recreation allowed in heavy industrial and light industrial zones.

Amendment II changes the permission of air separation facilities to a conditional use permit.

Amendment IV requires a conditional use permit requirement for hazardous waste on-site in the M-2 zone.

Amendment V requires a conditional use permit for the production of certain vehicles including airplanes in the M-1 zone.

Amendment VI makes retail business an allowed use in the M-2 zone.

Listed as written the amendments don’t make clear the ramifications they have on the city or its residents, which is one reason discussion lasted until around 11 p.m. after starting before 8 p.m. Another reason is some in attendance were unaware of the ordinance which passed in October 2009 and created the overlay.

When the amendments to the ordinance passed, not everyone was completely satisfied, but some goodwill formed between the city and the public. The special meeting held on a Saturday, the willingness of council and other city employees to listen at length and the effort by the city to create an ordinance which reflects concerns of citizens demonstrated a collaborative effort in the opinions of citizens and councilmembers alike.

“I get really encouraged at nights like this,” councilmember Randy Hynek said.