City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, December 03, 2024 at 5:45 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Darrel Olson and Council Members Connie Lyscio, Zach Tabatt, Jeff Phillips, and Mark Cross were present. City Administrator Brad Chapulis, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Steele, Assistant Police Chief Matt Maier, Public Works Director Trevor Walter, Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek, and Community Development Director Josh Doty were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Minnesota Department of Transportation Hwy 371/210 Grade Separation Project Update MnDOT staff presented an update on the 371/210 grade separation project. The presentation summarized the processes used to arrive at the five possible options for the intersection. At the conclusion of the presentation MnDOT representatives presented the council with a preview of the five options for the intersection. MnDOT will be hosting an open house on February 12th. 2. Cannabis Zoning Discussion Community Development Director Doty explained the planning and zoning commission held a public hearing regarding the cannabis related zoning amendments and recommended changes to the zoning code. Most of the zoning and city code amendments are mandated changes based on state statute. However, there are some choices cities can make regarding cannabis zoning regulations. The choices related to retail store buffers and retail store caps. Minnesota statute 342 outlines options for the city to employ buffers and a retail store cap based on population. The city is allowed to create a buffer for retail stores to be 1,000 feet from a school and 500 feet from a day care facility, residential treatment facility or an attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors. The city can also adopt a retail store cap of 1 store per 12,500 residents. Based on Baxter’s population, the city is required to allow at least one retail store. Staff has prepared an ordinance that utilizes the buffers and retail cap allowed by state law. The buffer is only for retail use and is not allowed for other cannabis business uses. The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management would determine the retail store for Baxter based on a vetted application and lottery process. The planning and zoning commission recommend the proposed ordinance. The council discussed concerns with only allowing one retail store and the consensus was to allow 2 or 3 stores. 12/3/2024 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 3. 2025 Governmental Funds Budget Update Due to a lack of meeting time remaining, this item was carried over to the regular council meeting agenda. ADJOURN MOTION by Council Member Cross, seconded by Council Member Lyscio to adjourn at 6:59 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele Mayor Assistant City Administrator