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97 in Columbus with Highway 96 in White Bear Lake sot the project is significant. The <br /> preliminary estimated costs is $8.4 million and WSB has proposed plans and specs at <br /> $468,000. Director Grochala also stated that the funding for the project would primarily <br /> come from municipal state aid, the trunk utility fund, and from the surface water <br /> management fund; though staff will also explore grant opportunities. <br /> Councilmember Lyden asked of residential landowners impacted. Director Grochala stated <br /> that six (6) land owners have been identified and that as the process moves forward, it will be <br /> determined the impact on those land owners. He added that open houses will be held as the <br /> project moves forward,though the open houses would not be held until the fall or possibly <br /> into next spring as substantial planning needs to get underway before the open houses are <br /> held. <br /> Following Council's direction, Director Grochala confirmed he will place the proposal for <br /> plans and specs on the agenda for consideration on August 14, 2023. <br /> 4. Apollo Business Park Business Expansion <br /> Community Development Director Michael Grochala updated Council that two (2) <br /> businesses in Apollo Business Park have contacted the City about expansion: Rice Industries <br /> and Mountain Manufacturing. As a potential solution staff is evaluating the use of adjacent <br /> city owned and state owned (tax forfeited) properties. These properties were originally <br /> created as borrow pits for grading in the development and subsequently used for stormwater <br /> runoff Director Grochala believes there is capacity in the lots that would allow for some <br /> building expansion and/or use for additional stormwater from new construction. <br /> He noted that this was discussed at the most recent EDAC meeting and that group is very <br /> much in favor of the concept. He also advised that no specific Council direction is needed at <br /> this time, he simply sought Council's receptiveness to the idea of land transfers to <br /> accommodate these expansions. <br /> Council voiced a favorable opinon of the idea of land transfers to allow for the expansion of <br /> the manufacturing businesses. <br /> 5. Cannabis in Public Spaces <br /> Deputy Director of Public Safety/Police Division, Kyle Leibel, discussed with Council the <br /> option of amending current ordinances to prohibit the use of cannabis in public parks, on <br /> public property, and in public spaces. He noted that while the recent legislation at the state <br /> made cannabis use legal effective August 1, 2023, the legislation failed to address use of <br /> cannabis in public areas. He further noted that current laws at the state level only address <br /> smoking in indoor spaces; addressing outdoor prohibitions is left to the local levels of <br /> government. <br /> Council concurred that addressing the use of cannabis in city parks, on city property, and in <br /> public spaces is important and encouraged staff to work to bring forward ordinances for <br /> consideration. <br />