Breezy Point City Council Approves Bond Sale for Fire Truck and Discusses Cannabis Regulations
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
11/04/2024
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Recording Published:
11/12/2024
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Duration:
49 Minutes
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Towns:
Breezy Point
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County:
Crow Wing County
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State:
Minnesota
- Meeting Overview:
During its November 4, 2024, meeting, the Breezy Point City Council approved a bond sale to fund a ladder fire truck and discussed upcoming cannabis regulations. The council also handled various community projects, including Sheview Lane repairs and a community garden initiative, and addressed staff compensation and city hall renovations.
The meeting’s primary focus was the approval of a resolution to issue general obligation equipment certificates to reimburse the city for the purchase of a ladder fire truck. Michaela Huitt from Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors presented a pre-sale summary, detailing the bond issuance. She highlighted a competitive bidding process set for December 2, 2024, and a credit rating call with S&P scheduled for November 12. The estimated interest rate for the bonds is projected at approximately 3.78%, with an annual debt service of around $136,000. This debt service will be supported by payments from a joint powers agreement involving the city, Breezy Point, Peat Lakes, and the fire district. The council adopted the resolution to set the sale of the bonds without any further questions or discussion.
Another topic on the agenda was the discussion surrounding the city’s cannabis regulations. The council delved into a draft ordinance aimed at creating new regulations for cannabis retail locations, replacing an existing moratorium on licensing that could not be extended beyond the year’s end. The ordinance must address buffer zones, specifying distances cannabis activities must maintain from schools, daycare centers, residential treatment facilities, and parks. The council considered buffer distances ranging from zero to 500 feet, needing to finalize these before the December meeting’s second reading. Additionally, the draft ordinance included provisions for various cannabis-related activities, such as cultivation and manufacturing.
A council member raised concerns about the availability of commercial land suitable for cannabis operations, given the community’s unique landscape and limited commercial properties. There was an acknowledgment that interest from businesses might increase once the ordinance is clarified. The council planned a workshop to further refine the ordinance, allowing for more comprehensive exploration and potential adjustments based on comparative data from surrounding communities.
In addition to these topics, the council awarded a contract for Sheview Lane repairs to Glade and Construction, the lowest responsive bidder, at $126,559. The project is set to commence in the fall, and the council expressed satisfaction with the anticipated timeline for completion.
The council also addressed a community garden initiative, approving application guidelines and rules. The guidelines were developed with input from the community garden group and the Park and Recreation committee. The council discussed the timing of application payments and plot allocation, planning to handle allocations on a first-come, first-served basis. The community garden is expected to generate high interest, with applications accepted from January to April.
Staffing matters were also on the agenda, with the council approving a temporary wage increase for the financial specialist due to increased responsibilities. This decision was made in recognition of the additional duties taken on following staffing changes within the city administration. The council noted that these responsibilities, which transitioned from Pequot to Breezy Point in August, would be reimbursed by the relevant district.
Updates on ongoing city projects were also provided. The City Administrator reported progress on City Hall renovations, with backfilling completed and tree removals in the parking area. Electrical and plumbing work is expected to begin soon, with a timeline suggesting a possible return to the renovated City Hall for meetings in December. Temporary meeting spaces, such as the Pelican Conservation Club and the police department’s training room, were suggested for smaller gatherings. The council also received updates on the cemetery project, noting positive feedback on Public Works’ efforts and the installation of the columbarium and sidewalk.
Angel Zierden
City Council Officials:
Steve Jensen (Council Member), Michael Moroni (Council Member), Rebecca Ball (Council Member), Brad Scott (Council Member)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
11/04/2024
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Recording Published:
11/12/2024
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Duration:
49 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Crow Wing County
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Towns:
Breezy Point
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