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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 10 Councilmember Monson said the JDA has had conversations with multiple stakeholders at the Army level. She cautions discussing what the Army will and will not allow. We don't have any indication from the decision makers that the answer is no. Mayor Grant said his understanding is you wouldn't have to use the geo-thermal on site. He said basically Xcel wants cities to show support indicating interest in having Xcel move forward with this type of project. It doesn't commit to any one city. Mike Wilhelmi confirmed. Councilmember Monson said she has a draft letter of support for Council to review. Mike Wilhelmi said there are couple deadlines. The sooner, the better. He doesn't anticipate there being a hearing on it until February. The current comment period closes this week. Councilmember Monson said if the Council determines we are in support, who will sign? Discussion ensued regarding the best way to route the letter for Council signatures and what meeting date it should be discussed. B. Adult Use Cannabis Moratorium Update Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson pointed to the memo containing basic preliminary items to consider. Staff is seeking direction regarding zoning for adult use cannabis. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will start accepting applications for licenses January 1st. When they receive those applications, they reach out to the City to have the City sign off on the zoning. The application will work through all the steps with the OCM and then they direct applicants back to the City to complete a registration. The OCM licenses these businesses, the City will register them. Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson said any proposed zoning code amendments will have to go to the Planning Commission and then back to the City Council for final approval. Staff is seeking direction at this time about moving forward with zoning. Mayor Grant said that the mayors met and discussed this topic. Some cities have chosen to create an overlay zone showing where cannabis businesses could be. Other cities limit a certain distance from a school or daycare. He understands the City must allow at least one registration. The City can restrict the number of businesses but does not have to. Councilmember Holden asked if the definition of"school"means a K-12. Interim City Administrator Jagoe confirmed. Councilmember Rousseau asked if this is viewed as a stand-alone business or are they part of other businesses. Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson said Council can determine what type of business would be allowed and the location through zoning. Councilmember Rousseau asked who ensures the potency is accurate.