HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 01-06 Planning Commission Minutes
www.gemlakemn.org
4200 Otter Lake Road
Gem Lake, MN 55110
(651) 747 -2790
city@gemlakemn.org
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2026
I. Call to Order of the Planning Commission Meeting
By Chair Don Cummings at 7:00 p.m.
II. Call of Roll
Commission Members Don Cummings, Art Pratt, Derek Wippich and Daniel Epelboim were
present. Commissioner Stephanie Farrell was absent. Also present were City Planner Andrew
Boucher, TKDA, City Attorney Martin Norder, and City Clerk Barb Suciu.
III. Approve Agenda and Minutes
A. Approve the Agenda for the January 6, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting
A motion was introduced by Commissioner Pratt to approve January 6, 2026, agenda, seconded by
Commissioner Wippick. Motion carried 4-0.
B. Approve the Minutes of December 2, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting
A motion was introduced by Commissioner Wippich to approve December 2, 2025, Planning
Commission Meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Pratt. Motion carried 4-0.
IV. Public Hearings
A. Planning Case 2025-013; Conditional Use Permit for 3550 Hoffman Road (Parcel ID
343022120052), White Bear Floral on behalf of Superior Molecular, Inc. to allow Cannabis
Cultivation through a Microbusiness License
City Planner Andrew Boucher summarized the request for 3550 Hoffman Road.
Commissioner Pratt introduced a motion to open the public hearing at 7:18 p.m., seconded by
Commissioner Wippich. Motion carried 4-0.
Tanner Berris, Superior Molecular, provided a statement regarding the operation of the business.
Commissioner Pratt asked about the security piece of the operation. Mr. Berris stated there
haven’t been any issues.
Commissioner Pratt introduced a motion to close the public hearing at 7:21 p.m., seconded by
Commissioner Wippich. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Wippich introduced a motion to recommend approving the request based on the
City Planners’ recommendations to the City Council of the Conditional Use Permit to allow
Cannabis Cultivation through a Microbusiness License for 3550 Hoffman Road Parcel ID
343022120052, White Bear Floral on behalf of Superior Molecular, Inc. with the following
conditions:
www.gemlakemn.org
1. Superior Molecular, Inc. is permitted for the cultivation of state-licensed products only at the
address listed above upon registering with the City of Gem Lake as a condition of approval. If the
Conditional Use Permit is approved, the registration will be placed into effect.
2. The applicant is required to completely satisfy the State Office of Cannabis Management
licensing for a cannabis microbusiness.
3. The applicant is required to identify on the site plan the boundaries of the business issue within
the existing structures and record this exhibit as part of the Conditional Use Permit resolution.
4. No retail sales are permitted
5. No outdoor storage of cannabis and hemp products is permitted
6. No on-site consumption is permitted.
7. The use is required to maintain compliance with state and local building, fire and zoning
requirements or regulations.
8. All signage shall require sign permits and comply with Chapter 19 – Signs.
9. All plans must be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for Sewer Availability Charges review
prior to the issuance of any building permits and any applicable Water Availability Charges or
Local Sewer Availability Charges as established by the City of Gem Lake.
10. The applicant shall pay all fees and escrows associated with the project.
Seconded by Commissioner Pratt. Motion carried 4-0.
V. Old Business
A. Comprehensive Plan Update & Joint Meeting with the City Council
Staff will follow up with the City Council on obtaining a date for the meeting. City Planner stated
there are two new components for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The two new components are a
climate system chapter and natural system chapter.
VI. New Business
A. Appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair for 2026
Chair Cummings will continue as Chair and the Vice Chair will be Commissioner Pratt.
Commissioner Epelboim introduced a motion to appoint Don Cummings as Chair and Art Pratt as Vice
Chair for 2026, seconded by Commissioner Wippich. Motion carried 4-0.
VII. Open Items for Commission Members to Bring Up
VIII. Future Council Meetings
Next City Council Meeting, Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Next Planning Commission Meeting, Tuesday, February 3, 2026
o Attendance Inquiry
IX. Adjournment
Commissioner Pratt introduced a motion to adjourn at 7:21 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Wippich.
Motion carried 4-0.