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Mounds View City Council March 3, 2025 <br />Special Meeting Page 2 <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom asked what amendments could be made to the MOU. Counselor Libby reported <br />the MOU could become more detailed. She commented on how she did not want get too far ahead <br />of the State, given their lack of guidance at this time. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom stated he was aware there were other competitors out there trying to work with <br />municipalities. Ms. Libby reported this was the case, noting she was not aware of any city that was <br />trying to pursue a municipal license on their own. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom opened the meeting for public comment. <br /> <br />Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, questioned how much due diligence the City has done <br />with respect to municipal cannabis. He understood the Council viewed this partnership as a <br />revenue source. He discussed how the City opted not to pursue a municipal liquor store in the past <br />and he hoped this was out of a moral obligation. He was of the opinion it was not morally right for <br />the City to be getting into the cannabis business. He stated Great White’s LLC was established in <br />July of 2022, but in March of 2024, its license status was terminated. He questioned why the City <br />was choosing to partner with this company given that they could not properly file for an active <br />status with the State. He reported if the OCM didn’t have proper guidance available, perhaps the <br />Council should wait to take action on this item. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom closed the meeting for public comment. <br /> <br />Ms. Libby explained if you do not renew your business license every year the State now dissolves <br />businesses. She indicated she was uncertain what happened with Great White, but they were caught <br />and now the business was on a schedule to have their license renewed. She reported now was the <br />time to take action because there will be no extensions or window openings in 2025 or 2026. She <br />commented no new applicants will be brought in until the OCM feels comfortable. She discussed <br />how community crime and drug use was going down in State’s that legalize cannabis because <br />people were using products that were regulated. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom stated he believed cannabis is a net positive being legal and potentially would <br />take away from other treatment opportunities. He explained he trusted the City Attorney to work <br />out the minute details going forward. He reported cannabis would be sold in Mounds View one <br />way or another going forward. From a financial standpoint, he explained the City had not spent <br />any money to date. He commented further on how the municipal cannabis would provide a new <br />revenue street for the City, which would be beneficial in this tight economy. He stated he would <br />support going forward with the municipal cannabis license. <br /> <br />City Administrator Zikmund explained staff met with Joni, along with MN Roots and also explored <br />the Red Pine Group. He added that these are the three major players in the Twin City that they are <br />aware of at this time. He stated the agreement with MN Roots had a 60/40 revenue split while the <br />Red Pine Group was proposing a 75/25 revenue split. He noted Joni had not provided a revenue <br />split option for the City. He reported each vendor had ensured there would be no cash outlaid on <br />the City’s behalf up front. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn asked if a store could be up and running in 18 months. Ms. Libby reported