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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 28, 2023 12 <br /> C. Interim Ordinance—Adult Use Cannabis Business Moratorium <br /> Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated earlier this spring, the Minnesota <br /> State Legislature legalized adult-use cannabis. This law, effective August 1, 2023, permits the <br /> operation of cannabis businesses and the sale of cannabis products for consumption but provides <br /> little guidance on how cities are to regulate, leaving zoning and compliance to local control. The <br /> law also created a new agency, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), that will license <br /> businesses regarding sales of cannabis products, but the OCB will not be operational until <br /> approximately January 1, 2025. <br /> Assistant to the CityAdministrator/City Clerk Hanson reported the City Council previously <br /> tY p Y p Y <br /> discussed this topic and directed staff to draft an interim ordinance that would establish a <br /> moratorium in effect until January 1, 2025, allowing the Council and staff adequate time to further <br /> study the matter, or until such time it is apparent the OCM has its department operational. Staff <br /> has worked with the City Attorney regarding ordinance language as well as a summary ordinance. <br /> It is important to note that this moratorium does not apply to the selling, testing, manufacturing, or <br /> distributing of products related to the Medical Cannabis Program as administered by the <br /> Minnesota Department of Health, provided that such activity is done in accordance with the <br /> regulations and laws of Minnesota regarding Medical Cannabis. A Notice of Public Hearing was <br /> published in the August 18, 2023 Pioneer Press in conformance with State Statute. She indicated <br /> no comments have been received to date. <br /> Mayor Grant stated it was his understanding cities with a population of less than 10,000 would <br /> have to issue at least one business license for cannabis sales. <br /> Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated this was the case. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau questioned when this moratorium would be revisited because it <br /> seemed as if the recent THC moratorium could have been revisited earlier than it was this past <br /> summer. <br /> Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson indicated the City waited on this <br /> moratorium in order to gather as much information as possible from the State legislature, which <br /> also had certain information that could affect the City's THC moratorium at the time. She <br /> described the timeline on this moratorium and noted it would be revisited based on information <br /> from the State and League of Minnesota Cities. <br /> Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 9:00 p.m. <br /> With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 9:01 p.m. <br /> 11. NEW BUSINESS <br /> A. Planning Case 2023-013 — Zoning Code Amendment — Chapter 13, Section <br /> 1325.05 Design Standards, Subd. 4.1)—Fencing <br /> • Ordinance 2023-008 — Amendments to Chapter 13, Section 1325.05, <br /> Subd. 4.1) <br />