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December 12, 2024 PC Minutes Page 3 cultivation, and would like to be at the front end of the cannabis industry in Minnesota. Ryan stated that they would have to sell the property if the zoning in the ordinance would not allow them to cultivate cannabis. Chair Kleissler closed the Public Hearing at 7:50 PM Commissioner Granger asked if cannabis businesses would be able to located next to each other, and if the only limit on cannabis cultivation would be the size of the building. Juba stated that cannabis microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses apply for certain endorsements from the state to conduct specific activities. Dean Anderson came back to the podium and state that cities can restrict endorsements, and stated that restriction of microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses will allow for large businesses to dominate the market. Commissioner Petty asked if the state OCM can override local ordinance requirements. Commissioner Andress asked if the City can restrict water consumption for a cannabis cultivator, Juba stated that it would be difficult to meter the water used for irr igation. Commissioner Granger asked if there’s a precedent for managing or restricting crops, and gave tobacco as an example. Juba stated that cannabis is not listed by the state as an agricultural product, giving the City more ability to restrict it. Commissioner Petty asked if the Planning Commission can vote on the ordinance without considering the addendum presented by Mr. Anderson. Juba replied that the addendum is not part of their official packet, was not prepared by the City, and was not reviewed by the City Attorney. Juba stated that the Planning Commission can revisit the content of the addendum if they wish. Commissioner Petty made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Arcand, to recommend approval of the draft ordinance. Commissioner Granger asked if the ordinance can still be amended in the future, Juba said yes. Commissioner Andress stated that he views prohibiting cannabis cultivation in rural zoning districts as a means of restricting the property rights of farmers. Commissioner Petty stated that the use can be re- evaluated at a later time after the City has had a chance to see how it plays out in other communities. Commissioner Granger stated that he doesn’t like the idea of restricting property owner rights in this way, but sees the time-sensitive need to have an ordinance in place. Dean Anderson came back to the podium, and stated that the OCM halted their license pre-approval process and extended the approval timeline, but that they are running out of time to line up their permissions to apply for a license. Commissioner Petty stated that they need to consider the perspective of all Hugo residents, and that the Planning Commission has received several letters in opposition to cannabis proliferation, and that the City needs to evaluate ca nnabis cultivation as a land use further before deciding to permit it as a land use in rural zoning districts.