The council’s consideration of Ordinance 24-21 marked a step toward refining zoning regulations for the anticipated arrival of cannabis businesses in St. Paul, following the recent passage of a new marijuana law in Minnesota. The ordinance aims to integrate 16 types of cannabis licenses into the city’s zoning code, offering businesses clarity on operational locations. A representative outlined the collaborative roles of the state and local jurisdictions, with the state handling licensing through the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the city regulating operational zones for cannabis entities.

The proposal includes a detailed zoning framework to manage the proximity of cannabis businesses to sensitive areas such as schools, with a stipulated distance of 300 feet measured directly from property lines. The council debated the merits and challenges of these zoning amendments, emphasizing the need to align cannabis business operations with existing land use policies. The Planning Commission had previously held a public hearing, where public opinion was mixed, but ultimately voted unanimously in favor of the proposed changes.

Concerns were raised about potential outdoor cultivation in urban areas, which would require conditional use permits. The council acknowledged the importance of a clear regulatory framework to ensure public safety and compliance with local ordinances, along with the potential for substantial tax revenue from the cannabis industry.

In parallel, the council addressed a complicated property dispute involving a vacant building registered after the death of its owners, Gray D. Randall and Mary Randall. The property, lacking formal ownership, was occupied by Ms. Pine, who testified about her precarious housing situation. The council grappled with the legal implications of allowing occupancy in a property registered as vacant, noting the absence of a legal representative for the property, which was not undergoing probate or foreclosure.

Ms. Pine, speaking via phone, described her distress over the vacancy notice and her efforts to maintain the property. She requested more time to find alternative housing, emphasizing the risk of homelessness if forced to vacate. The council expressed empathy for Ms. Pine, considering a delay in action to allow time for further investigation into the property’s ownership and potential solutions for her continued residence.

Another issue at the meeting was the ongoing problem of illegal dumping reported by a resident. The resident detailed their struggles with trash accumulation around their property and accused the city of contributing to the problem by improperly disposing of waste in their dumpster. They called for city assistance in managing the issue and proposed installing a security fence to better delineate their property boundary.

Council members acknowledged the widespread nature of illegal dumping in the community and explored potential deterrent measures, including collaboration with law enforcement to educate property owners on preventative strategies. The council also discussed a tax assessment related to cleanup efforts on a separate private property, ultimately amending the assessment to allow for payment over two years to ease the financial burden on the owner.