HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-27-25 - Council Work Session MinutesLino Lakes City Council
Work Session
Minutes
DATE: May 27, 2025
TIME STARTED: 6:00 P.M.
TIME ENDED: 6:25 P.M.
LOCATION: Community Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty Councilmembers Cavegn, Lyden and Stoesz
MEMBERS EXCUSED ABSENT: Councilmember Ruhland
Staff Members Present: Interim City Administrator Dave Pecchia, City Clerk Roberta Colotti,
Interim Finance Director Kelly Horn, Community Development Director Michael Grochala, City
Planner Katie Larsen, City Engineer Diane Hankee, Environmental Specialist Tom Hoffman, Chief
of Police Curt Boehme, and Fire Chief Dan L'Allier.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Mayor Rafferty called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Setting the Agenda: Addition or Deletion of Agenda Items
The agenda was adopted as presented.
3. Municipal Cannabis Retail Store
Mayor Rafferty introduced the topic of a municipal cannabis retail store. He stated that
other area cities are pursuing a state license to operate a municipal cannabis retail
store. He stated that there was a recent Star Tribune article featuring the cities that
have announced that they are working on building a municipal cannabis retail store. He
stated that at this time he is just asking the question, could this business revenue lessen
the burden on taxpayers. He asked if there was interest by the Council in scheduling this
item for further discussion at a future meeting? He also questioned, if this made sense
when the City does not have a municipal liquor store as some of the other communities
that are pursuing a municipal cannabis retail store do.
Mayor Rafferty stated that it has been reported that the City of Anoka is going to build a
new cannabis retail store, and he reviewed the estimated revenue from that store.
Councilmember Lyden asked how many licenses were permitted in Lino Lakes.
The Community Development Director stated that based on the current population, two
private businesses are permitted plus a municipal store. He stated that the City is
allowed to get a retail license from the state.
Mayor Rafferty highlighted that unlike other types of businesses, there will only be
three retail cannabis stores, based on the current population numbers.
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Councilmember Cavegn stated that by law the city must allow cannabis retail stores. He
stated that as a result, he would support reviewing the topic of a municipal cannabis
retail store, as a source of revenue.
Mayor Rafferty suggested that the city hire a consultant to develop a business plan and
market analysis, as other area cities have done.
Councilmember Lyden asked which zoning districts allowed for retail cannabis stores.
The Community Development Director stated that they were allowed in NB, LB, and GB
Commercial Zoning Districts.
Councilmember Stoesz stated that cities have core services, and he does not believe a
cannabis retail store is one of them. The Council can review the topic; however, he does
not support building a municipal cannabis retail store and will therefore vote against the
development.
Mayor Rafferty requested that staff bring this matter back a future work session, and if
possible, at the June 2nd meeting.
The City Administrator stated that staff will review the list of possible consultants.
The Chief of Police stated that he believed the State application process for the first
round of applications had closed.
The City Administrator stated that staff would review the State regulations for licensure.
4. Administration Update
The Interim City Administrator provided the following updates.
• The City Administrator reviewed the timeline for completing the cyber security
training.
• The City Administrator reviewed the status of the hiring process for the Finance
Director, Office Specialist, Community Development Specialist, Building
Inspector, Parks Maintenance, Utilities, Police and Fire Department positions.
The City Administrator asked if there was interest in preparing a Strategic Plan in
coordination with the 5-Year Budget. He suggested that if there was interest that a
consultant be hired to facilitate the Strategic Plan discussion.
Mayor Rafferty asked if there was a way to incorporate public feedback into the
Strategic Planning process.
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The City Administrator confirmed that there were options available to incorporate
public feedback into the planning process.
Council Consensus
It was the consensus of the City Council to support preparing a Strategic Plan in
coordination with the 5-Year Budget, and to schedule this for further discussion at a
future work session.
It was noted that the new City Administrator would be onboard soon and would be part
of this Strategic Planning process.
5. Review Regular Agenda
The City Council reviewed the regular agenda.
Adjournment
Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
These minutes were approved at the regular Council Meeting on June 9, 2025.
Roberta Colotti, CIVIC Ro R erty,
City Clerk Mayor
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