HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-25 - City Council Work Session MinutesLino Lakes City Council
Work Session
Minutes
DATE: July 14, 2025
TIME STARTED: 6:00 P.M.
TIME ENDED: 6:25 P.M.
LOCATION: Community Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty Councilmembers Cavegn, Ruhland, Lyden and Stoesz
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
Staff Members Present: City Administrator Karen Anderson, City Clerk Roberta Colotti, Human
Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer, Community Development Director
Mike Grochala, City Planner Katie Larsen, 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. Odd/Even Year Elections
The City Clerk stated that in accordance with the City Charter, the City of Lino Lakes
municipal elections are held in odd years. At the July 10, 2025 Charter Commission
meeting the Commission reviewed the option of moving to even year elections. The
Commission voted to maintain odd -year elections. The Commission identified that odd -
year elections allow local voters to focus on the municipal candidates. The Municipal
Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. There is not an August Primary in
Lino Lakes. Absentee voting for 2025 will be processed by Anoka County,
4. Municipal Cannabis Retail Store
The Community Development Director stated that on July 7, 2025, the City Council
reviewed the draft Market Feasibly study prepared by Great White Companies for a
municipal retail cannabis store. He reported that the Economic Development Advisory
Committee (EDAC) discussed a municipal cannabis store at its July 10, 2025 meeting.
The EDAC generally supported moving forward. He noted that their recommendations
were included in the staff report.
The Community Development Director stated that as a next step in the process the
Council is being asked to consider issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Municipal
Cannabis Store Operator and it is requested that this item be added to the regular
agenda for formal action.
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Council Consensus
It was the consensus of the City Council to add consideration to advertise a Request for
Proposals (RFP) for a Municipal Cannabis Store Operator, to the July 14, 2025, regular
agenda. (Councilmember Stoesz provided a dissenting opinion.)
5. Review Regular Agenda
The City Clerk reviewed the proposed ordinance regulating pet stores, scheduled for
second reading/adoption this evening.
The Human Resources and Communications Manager reviewed the appointments
scheduled for action this evening including Parks Maintenance Worker, Office Specialist,
and Community Development Specialist. She also reviewed the Firefighter/
Administration position being requested to be established this evening.
The Chief of Police reviewed the School Resource Officer contract with the Centennial
School District scheduled for approval this evening.
The Environmental Specialist reviewed the requested approval of the 1-35E Alternative
Urban Area Wide Review (AUAR) 2025 Update.
Mayor Rafferty asked for an update on the water treatment plant construction project.
The Community Development Director reported that the exterior is being constructed,
and they are working on the second level.
Councilmember Ruhland asked about flying the flag at the construction site.
The Community Development Director stated that was usually something that was done
by the contractor.
Mayor Rafferty suggested that the design on the current water tower be used to create
a city flag and that the city flag then be put up in the Council Chambers.
6. Adjournment
Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
These minutes were approved at the regular Council Meeting on July 28, 2025.
Roberta Colotti, CIVIC R b R fferty,
City Clerk Mayor
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