06-01-26 - City Council Work Session Minutes

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The Council discussed the draft franchise agreements and franchise fees. They requested additional information on a 4% residential franchise fee, commercial and industrial fees, and general information on franchise agreements for consideration at the July 6th Work Session. 8. Ordinance Amendment to Restrict the Sale of Flavored Vape and Tobacco Products The Chief of Police reported that on April 27, 2026, Nathan N., a high school student, spoke during the public comment portion of the City Council meeting and asked the Council to consider adopting a city ordinance restricting the sale of commercial flavored vape and tobacco products. The City Council requested additional information regarding the potential regulation of flavored tobacco and vape products in the city. The Chief of Police provided background information the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, the 2020 Minnesota law change setting the minimum sale age for all tobacco products from 18 to 21, a survey of area cities with further restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products, and a review of the business impact/current tobacco license holders. The City Council reviewed the information provided and discussed the considerations of an ordinance amendment. It was noted that the request is intended to prevent youth smoking and tobacco product use and the current law prohibits sales to those under age 21. Councilmember Nelson stated that she was in favor of amending the ordinance to further prevent tobacco use by youth. Council Consensus It was the consensus of the City Council to retain the current ordinance. (Councilmember Nelson favored amending the ordinance.) 9. City Recreational Complex Development Update The Community Development Director reported that at the March 2, 2026, City Council work session the City Council discussed the possibility of selling a portion of the City's Recreation Complex land to a private entity, with the requirement that it be used for recreational purposes. The intent is to have a private group construct a private recreational facility that would generate activity on the site and provide seed money for additional public park improvements. The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to investigate the feasibility of marketing a portion of the property for sale. At that time staff identified several items that would need to be examined as part of any consideration. The Community Development Director reviewed the latest research on the project options. Council Consensus It was the consensus of the City Council to sell the 10-acres as part of the area sports complex/recreation development. The Community Development Director gathered further input from the City Council relating to the project area development including preferred types of uses, open access to residents and purpose for the land sale. Page 3 of 4