City Council approves cannabis ordinance limiting retail licenses to two

During the City Council meeting held on December 16, 2024, in Waite Park, significant discussions centered around the newly proposed cannabis ordinance and various city appointments for the upcoming year.

The council unanimously approved Ordinance 72, which regulates cannabis and hemp retail businesses and temporary cannabis events. This ordinance limits the number of retail establishments to two, a decision made to allow the city to better understand the evolving state regulations and the operational framework of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which is expected to take an additional two to three months to become fully operational. Council members expressed confidence that this limitation could be adjusted in the future as more clarity on the cannabis landscape emerges.

In addition to the cannabis ordinance, the council addressed appointments for 2025. A notable change included the removal of Rakowski Hansmeier from the position of city attorney. The council also discussed the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) representative role, with current representative Rick Miller agreeing to continue until June 30, 2025, after which a new appointment would be made. This decision was also passed unanimously.

The meeting concluded with discussions regarding the appointment of a mechanic position, although specific details on this topic were not elaborated upon in the transcript. Overall, the council's decisions reflect a cautious yet proactive approach to managing new regulations and ensuring effective governance as the city prepares for the upcoming year.