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Councilmember Jenson stated that he likes the design concepts and asked if staff is leaning towards one. <br />Liquor Operations Manager Larson explained that the pictures are just examples of fixtures inside the <br />building, and they are still working with the architect to incorporate the changes to the outside of the <br />building. <br />Councilmember Jenson referenced the estimate, noting that quotes have not yet been received, and <br />asked what would happen if the quotes exceeded the budget. He suggested that they obtain quotes <br />sooner rather than later so that they are not surprised at the ultimate cost. Mayor Webster recognized <br />that they want to do this project right, and this transformation of the stores is necessary. She stated <br />that quotes may be higher and wanted the Council to recognize that this is a needed and necessary <br />project. <br />Councilmember Jenson asked if it is necessary to have the project completed prior to the planned <br />summer event. Liquor Operations Manager Larson replied that the goal is to complete the project prior <br />to that time, but all the people who will be attending have also gone through these types of projects and <br />understand the process. <br />Councilmember Jenson asked whether the low-dose hemp products would continue to be sold on the <br />liquor side of the operations or whether that would be moved to the cannabis portion of sales. Liquor <br />Operations Manager Larson replied that municipal dispensaries can also have low-potency products, <br />and therefore, they would plan to offer those items on both the liquor and cannabis sides of the <br />business. <br />Councilmember Jenson asked for more information related to the sampling of different products. <br />Liquor Operations Manager Larson stated that they do currently offer sampling events for low-potency <br />drinks, but was unsure if they would be able to offer sampling of cannabis flower. He confirmed that <br />smoking would not be allowed inside the building. He stated that they could offer educational <br />information, and people could sample the product in their home. <br />Councilmember Doolan stated that she likes that cannabis was moved to Marketplace, as there is easier <br />access from the highway and an opportunity to reach shoppers. She also liked that there would only be <br />two buildings to maintain long-term, the focus on education, a discrete entrance and kiosk, and the <br />comprehensive planning and branding. She stated that the questions or concerns that she would have <br />are related to the timing and reliability of supply, margins for THC beverages compared to alcohol and <br />related profit shifts, unknowns about THC labeling, competition with medical dispensaries, national <br />regulation, and State licensing changes. She asked if there would be a phased-in rollout for the <br />rebranding, recognizing that the highest priority would be the implementation of the cannabis retail <br />location rather than the second location rebranding. She stated that she is comfortable moving <br />forward, beginning with Marketplace. She asked if the events and outreach resulted in higher sales. <br />Liquor Operations Manager Larson replied that they host those events, have a good time, and they <br />result in good sales. He stated that he wants to provide an environment where they back up the <br />concept of shop local. <br />Mayor Webster commented that the summer event will be a great opportunity for marketing and media <br />attention, which will be a positive outcome for the store and the community. She stated that it is her <br />understanding that the money for the renovations and rebranding would be taken from the liquor store <br />fund and would be paid back to the fund balance through future profits from the stores. Liquor <br />Operations Manager Larson confirmed that the fund balance has been built up in anticipation of the <br />project. <br />4