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Mounds View City Council July 31, 2023 <br />Special Meeting Page 3 <br /> <br />8. COUNCIL BUSINESS <br />A. First Reading and Introduction of Interim Ordinance 1006 Authorizing a <br />Study and Imposing a Moratorium on the Operation of Cannabis Businesses <br />within the City of Mounds View. <br /> <br />City Attorney Riggs requested the Council introduce an interim ordinance that would authorize a <br />study and impose a moratorium on the operation of cannabis businesses within the City. He <br />explained this ordinance was the result of the Cannabis Act that was adopted by the Minnesota <br />legislature. He reported under the act the City can regulate the time, place and manner regarding <br />cannabis businesses, along with the hours of sales. He stated there were a number of communities <br />that were putting a moratorium in place to allow them time to further study this topic. He stated <br />this study would allow the City Council to further consider the zoning regulations for these <br />businesses going forward. He explained if the Council were to introduce this ordinance, the second <br />reading would be held on Monday, August 7. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn stated she would like further information regarding growing of cannabis <br />plants. She asked how many plants could be growing in a backyard at any time. City Attorney <br />Riggs explained a resident could have four mature plants in their backyard. He indicated the <br />Council lacked the ability to regulate this, but rather this would be regulated by the State. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn questioned if cannabis could be sold in an established business. City <br />Attorney Riggs stated this would be determined by the State. He commented further on how the <br />City needed time to discuss and think through how to properly draft zoning regulations regarding <br />cannabis businesses. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn inquired what the term of the moratorium would be. City Attorney Riggs <br />stated the moratorium would run through January 1, 2025. He reported the City would have zoning <br />regulations in place by that time. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the meeting to the public. <br /> <br />Rene Johnson expressed concern with the fact the proposed Ordinance was not available for the <br />public to view on the City’s website. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Meehlhause indicated the Ordinance was posted on the City’s website under the <br />meeting agendas and packets. <br /> <br />Dennis Frohm, 7040 Bona Road, recommended the cannabis issue be treated similar to alcohol <br />sales to ensure it be kept from schools and churches. He believed cannabis was not as bad as <br />tobacco and alcohol because these substances were addictive. He stated he was in favor of the sale <br />of cannabis in the community to those 21 and older. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the meeting to public comment. <br /> <br />MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1006 <br />Authorizing a Study and Imposing a Moratorium on the Operation of Cannabis Businesses within