Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JULY 17, 2023 6 <br />Community Development Director Jagoe stated based on the draft language, there might not be <br />an existing retail business in the B-3 District because of the proximity to the daycare at the <br />YMCA, but there are parcels in the B-3 District outside of the 500 feet which allows a retail land <br />use where tenants could change. The draft ordinance would apply to existing as well as any new <br />retail businesses located in the B-3 zoning district. <br />Councilmember Fabel mentioned they are missing one of the councilmembers who might have <br />some strong feelings about this. <br />Mayor Grant said anything they decide would have to go back to the full council for approval. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe explained that any direction given tonight would be <br />their recommendations on the draft language, but it would have to go the Planning Commission <br />for review. If it was on the August 9 Planning Commission agenda the Council would review it <br />and their second regular meeting in August. Staff could make the Planning Commission aware <br />that there was Council discussion about including the B-2 District and get their recommendation. <br />City Administrator Perrault suggested they could strike the word "retail" but it could still be <br />permitted as an accessory use. <br />Councilmember Rousseau said her preference was still B-2, B-3 with the current language. <br />Councilmember Fabel abstained from the decision. <br />Councilmember Holden preferred B-3, as did Mayor Grant. <br />Mayor Grant directed staff to send it to the Planning Commission as written with the B-3 <br />district. <br />City Administrator Perrault stated the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) would be <br />overseeing the sales of full strength cannabis. They won't be issuing licenses until January 1, <br />2025. Some cities are passing moratoriums in advance of that. State law does allow for <br />moratoriums until January 1, 2025 regardless of what the OCM does. Hypothetically, they could <br />be able to issue licenses earlier. If that happened someone could come into Arden Hills, apply to <br />be a full strength vendor and sell THC products. If they want to pass a moratorium it was his <br />recommendation they do so within the next couple of months. <br />Councilmember Rousseau felt the moratorium was appropriate while OCM was still getting up <br />and going. She wondered if there were concerns about what would happen with enforcement if <br />OCM wasn't running by January 2025. <br />City Administrator Perrault thought it was pretty clear that it wouldn't fall on cities, and he <br />anticipated that if they aren't ready by 2025 there would be no licenses issued because the State is <br />required to issue the licenses. <br />Councilmember Holden wondered if they would be able to issue another moratorium if the <br />OCM wasn't running in January 2025. <br />