09-06-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 9, 2023 8 properties would be impacted. He understood some distance was necessary, but he feared 1000 feet or 500 feet was too high. Commissioner Blilie agreed that THC products should be allowed to be sold at restaurants if alcohol is also served. She supported this ordinance being more broad versus more restrictive. Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. Chair Vijums invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. There being no comments Chair Vijums closed the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. Chair Vijums summarized the comments from the Commission noting it appeared the Commission supported expanding this use beyond B-3 to the B-2, B-4 and the Gateway Business District. In addition, the Commission supported the sale of THC products in restaurants. Community Development Director Jagoe asked if the Commission supported a standalone business or just an accessory use. Commissioner Wicklund stated he preferred to have only accessory uses at this time until the Office of Cannabis Management has more regulations in place. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the sales of full- strength cannabis would be addressed through an entirely different ordinance. Commissioner Weber supported the City allowing THC sales as a principal use because these businesses would come into the community. Commissioner Collins recommended the City not be any more restrictive with THC products than the City was with alcohol sales. Chair Vijums commented he may not be on the same page, nor was he ready for Arden Hills to be the primary place for cannabis products to be sold. He supported the City allowing THC sales as an accessory use at this time with allowing as a principal use being addressed in the future. Commissioner Wicklund recommended the Commission focus their conversations on low potency hemp/THC sales at this time. He stated the City had time to address full strength cannabis sales. He believed the City had time to address this matter, or to push pause, in order to fully consider how to regulate these businesses. Commissioner Weber completely disagreed with this tactic. He explained there was a broader scope and this needs to be considered. Commissioner Wicklund asked staff for further information on the moratorium that was being considered by the Council.