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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 8, 2024
I. CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Wendy Webster called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Wendy Webster invited the Council and audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL.
Present: Mayor Webster, Councilmembers Doolan, Elnagdy, Jenson and Randle.
Absent: None.
Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker and City Planner Steve Grittman.
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS.
IV. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 8, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Randle, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of October 8, 2024, as revised moving PUD Amendment — 2401
Lowry Avenue NE item to the October 22, 2024 Meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS - NONE.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Approve September 24, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes.
B. License and Permits.
C. Claims.
D. Resolution 24-064 — Certifying Special Assessments for Delinquent Waste Hauler
Accounts to the 2025 Hennepin County Tax Rolls.
E. Resolution 24-065 — Certif3jng Special Assessments for Delinquent Waste Hauler
Accounts to the 2025 Ramsey County Tax Rolls.
F. Resolution 24-066= Certifying Special Assessments for Delinquent Public Utility
Service Accounts to the 2025 Hennepin County Tax Rolls.
G. Resolution 24-067 — Certifying Special Assessments for Delinquent Public Utilit
Service Accounts to the 2025 Ramsey County Tax Rolls.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024
Page 2
1 H. Resolution 24-068 — Approvingthe he Agreement with Ramsey County for the Maintenance
2 and Operation of Certain Traffic Control Signal Systems Within the City of St. Anthony
3 Village.
4
5 Motion by Councilmember Randle, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the Consent
6 Agenda items.
7
8 Motion carried 5-0.
9
10 VII. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE.
11
12 VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
13
14 A. Ordinance 2024-05 — Amendina Section 154.188 of the St. AnthonyCity Code
15 Regulating, Cannabis Businesses — 2nd Reading.
16
17 City Planner Steve Grittman reviewed the City Council considered the initial draft of a cannabis
18 regulation ordinance as a first reading on September 10, 2024. At that first reading, the Council
19 discussed a number of alternatives that, under the legislation, the City has some discretion to
20 consider. The discussion resulted in the following edits to the first reading, which are now
21 reflected in the draft ordinance. These updates are summarized as follows:
22
23 Subp. (H): The language was edited to select the option to waive a re -registration fee for licensed
24 cannabis businesses that are moving from one legal location in the City to another legal location.
25
26 Subp (L): Although not discussed in detail, staff updated this language to improve the method of
27 measurement for the prescribed buffer distances between cannabis facilities and affected land
28 uses.
29
30 Subp (N): Language was inserted to specify that the City would permit hours of operation at the
31 State law's maximum hours, as the consensus of the City Council was to leave this language as
32 written from the law, although several other options were tested in discussion.
33
34 Subp (P)(1)(d)5: This highlight does not reflect a change from prior language but confirms the
35 Councils direction that Cannabis Events would have to abide by the same locational
36 requirements as "brick and mortar" stores for purposes of zoning and buffers from other uses.
37
38 Subp (P)(2): The Council discussed issues of enforcement and the likely nature of Temporary
39 Cannabis Events and suggested that while smoking of products could be a nuisance, other
40 ingestible products such as edibles or infused beverages would not carry the same threat of
41 nuisance. As such, the language prohibits "smoking" of cannabis products at a licensed event.
42
43 Subp (3): An internal City Code reference is added here.
44
45 Subp(P)(5) and (6): The Council agreed that these optional limitations on Cannabis Event
46 locations or hours were not necessary given other restrictions in the City's regulations.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024
Page 3
2 Council observed the use of the terms "license" and "registration" often coupled with process or
3 fee requirements throughout the ordinance. In rechecking the draft ordinance, the "license" term
4 is intended to be used in the context of the State's licensing function for business enterprises
5 through the Office of Cannabis Management, while the "registration" term is the local City -level
6 review. Fees for the City's licensing role are capped in the statute.
7
8 It is expected that OCM will provide a "pre -application" process to potential licensees, who will
9 then be tasked with seeking local registration approval. The city's registration will be comprised
10 primarily of checking zoning compliance with the requirements imposed in this ordinance, as
11 well as confirmation that building and fire codes will be reviewed for compliance. The City will
12 have 30 days to report back to OCM on approval or denial of a local registration request, along
13 with the reasons for any denial. OCM will then complete the licensing process with the
14 applicant.
15
16 Council is requested to reviewed and approve the draft ordinance regulating cannabis business as
17 a second reading. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the general regulations
18 with comment, and the City Council incorporated many of those comments in its discussion of
19 the first reading. With any further requested edits of the various sections, staff requests approval
20 of the second reading of this ordinance.
21
22 Councilmember Elnagdy referred to Subp L asked about measurement and Mr. Grittman stated it
23 would be measured door to door on public property. She referred to Subp I edit there is #1 and
24 then #3. She asked about the events and permits and whether an applicant can reapply for a
25 cannabis event if it is denied and does not meet the requirements. Mr. Grittman stated the
26 Council would decide if the application could be edited or if they would need to start the
27 application over.
28
29 Mayor Webster stated we currently have an event application and would cannabis events be part
30 of that. Staff would work with the applicant to make sure the application is complete prior to it
31 coming to City Council.
32
33 Councilmember Doolan referred to Subp L asking about the distance and whether that is only
34 within St. Anthony. Mr. Grittman stated the buffers are within our City limits. Councilmember
35 Doolan asked about number 3 page 45 of packet. She asked if taprooms are allowed only in
36 Industrial zoning. Mr. Grittman stated retail uses would not be allowed in an industrial district.
37 The brewer/taprooms are allowed in the commercial zoning. Councilmember Doolan referred to
38 the infused products and are those allowed in a liquor or tobacco license. Mr. Grittman stated it
39 is the same product under the hemp/thc statute and the City adopted. The State has now changed
40 the language, and they are now called low potency products. A liquor or tobacco license are
41 required to sell the infused products. Mayor Webster stated they would have to get their license
42 through the State.
43
44 Mayor Webster stated the next step is to bring a third reading to Council for consideration and
45 this would be the final reading with some additional edits.
46
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024
Page 4
2 Motion by Councilmember Elnagdy, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Second
3 Reading of Ordinance 2024-05 — Amending Section 154.188 of the St. Anthony City Code
4 Regulating Cannabis Businesses.
6
7
8 IX.
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Motion carried4-1(Randle).
GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
A. PUD Amendment — 2401 Lowry Avenue NE.
This item has been moved to the October 22, 2024, City Council Meeting Agenda.
B. Captive Energy Solutions Tune Energy Saving Equipment.
16 City Manager Yunker reviewed in the latter part of 2023, information was given to staff
17 regarding energy -saving equipment that may be of benefit to the City in reducing consumption
18 and costs. It is a passive filter that is installed on electric panels to reduce the harmonics of the
19 electrical system to reduce the amount of energy needed, and the wear and tear on equipment.
20
21 Being that this is new and somewhat untested technology, staff agreed to perform a test at no
22 cost to the City and chose the Silver Lake Village Liquor Store for the test site. Energy savings
23 were identified, and the results were analyzed by Captive Energy Solutions. The results are
24 summarized in the presentation, and results from another City are also included to demonstrate
25 the consistent results in other facilities.
26
27 The cost of the equipment is about $1,500 - $1,800 per electrical panel, depending on the type of
28 panel. The City has 41 electrical panels throughout the various facilities. This is a relatively low-
29 cost approach for furthering the City's efforts to reduce energy consumption and presents no
30 operational risk for downtime from an equipment failure given the manner of installation.
31 There is a familial relationship between the company and a City Council member. Therefore,
32 staff considered it necessary that this be brought to a meeting for disclosure before purchasing
33 any equipment.
34
35 A representative from Captive Energy Solutions appeared before the Council. He reviewed the
36 Tune Energy Saving Equipment. He reviewed the results of the Pilot test at the Silver Lake
37 Village Liquor Store. The Pilot was a success. A PowerPoint presentation was provided for
38 Council review summarizing what Tune offers. The data collected from the utility bill provided
39 for the St. Anthony Wine & Spirits located tested for January, February, and March was
40 $1,674.12. They averaged 25% of savings. It was noted there is a conflict of interest with a
41 Councilmember for this equipment which is why it is brought to Council for consideration.
42 Councilmember Jenson stated he will not vote on this matter. There are two different products
43 Tune Light and Tune Commercial.
44
45 Councilmember Elnagdy asked if the Liquor Store tested the Tune Commercial and Mr. Jenson
46 stated they were the 480 panels. The typical payback is a 10-18 month period.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024
Page 5
2 Councilmember Doolan stated the product looks great and would be an affordable way to get
3 some energy savings. For the 41 panels the City can look at which buildings have the greatest
4 draw. She asked if there is any performance difference when the panels are subject to outside
5 conditions. Mr. Jenson does not believe there is any difference. Councilmember Doolan asked if
6 they have experience putting these panels into homes. Mr. Jenson stated it would work great in a
7 home but the payback period is longer. Solar panels will convert from DC to AC.
9 Mayor Webster stated it was helpful to see the results of the Test at the Liquor Store. She asked
10 if the liquor stores have gas or electric heat. Mr. Jenson stated the heat is gas. Mr. Yunker stated
11 Staff has not determined if 41 panels would be ordered. The purpose of the motion is to address
12 the conflict of interest with a Councilmember.
13
14 Councilmember Doolan asked if there are competitive products and how this device compares to
15 the competitors. Mr. Jenson stated other devices operate with a harmonic filter. This solution is
16 different from any other products.
17
18 Councilmember Randle stated this does not feel right for him with the conflict of interest.
19
20 Councilmember Doolan stated in looking at the tool this is a very inexpensive simple tool that
21 will not cost the City a lot of money.
22
23 Councilmember Elnagdy agreed with Councilmember Doolan.
24
25 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Elnagdy, to approve Staff
26 proceeding with the purchase of equipment from Captive Energy Solutions for Tune Energy
27 Saving Equipment for City facilities.
28
29 Motion carried 3-1(Randle) —1 Jenson abstained .
30
31 X. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
32
33 City Manager Yunker stated the Fix -It Clinic will be held October 12, 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. at
34 City Hall. Applications are open to serve on Commissions and the deadline to apply is November
35 12, 2024.
36
37 Councilmember Randle had no report.
38
39 Councilmember Doolan stated on September 26 she attended the Minnesota Cities Climate
40 Coalition. On September 29 she attended a League of Women Voters Registration Event. On
41 September 30 she attended the candidate forum for MN Rep 3913. She attended the Fire
42 Department Open House last Saturday. She attended the Senior Luncheon on October 7, 2024.
43 On October 7 she also attended the Unstoppable Us book review at the library.
44
45 Councilmember Jenson stated on September 25, he attended a board of directors meeting for
46 Northeast Youth and Family Services.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024
Page 6
Councilmember Elnagdy stated this Thursday she and Councilmember Doolan will be attending
a Girl Scout Troop Meeting.
Mayor Webster stated on September 13, she prepared a letter for the group that went to Salo. On
October 1 she and City Manager Yunker attended a meeting hosted by Congresswoman Omar.
On October 2, she was interviewed by Skylar a student that lives in St. Anthony. She also
attended the Fire Department Open House on October 5.
XI. COMMUNITY FORUM — NONE.
XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Councilmember Doolan stated on October 9, the Village Gardeners will be hosting an event on
how to grow big pumpkins. On October 23, from 7:00 — 9:00 p.m. at Village Pub the Chamber of
Commerce will be holding a Networking Event.
Mayor Webster announced a long-term resident and owner of Tracy Printer, Joe Mezzenga,
passed away.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Webster adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Wolfe
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
�`. Mayor
ATTEST: %
City Clerk