The focal point of the meeting was the discussion and initial approval of a zoning ordinance designed to regulate cannabis and hemp businesses within New Ulm. The council considered a detailed draft ordinance that established zoning frameworks, buffer distances, and compliance requirements for cannabis businesses. The ordinance proposed permitting retail cannabis sales in certain business districts while maintaining buffer distances of 1,000 feet from schools and 500 feet from daycare facilities. Additionally, conditional use permits for retail cannabis operations in industrial zones were outlined. A comprehensive map was presented, indicating potential zones for cannabis businesses and illustrating how buffer requirements would limit available areas, effectively reducing the number of permissible locations.

The draft ordinance aligns with existing zoning regulations for similar businesses, such as breweries and bars, and ensures that cannabis businesses comply with both state and local laws. The council noted the absence of public complaints or concerns regarding the ordinance. A council member highlighted the importance of the ordinance’s measures, emphasizing the need for maximum buffer zones to ensure community safety. The city attorney supported the ordinance’s legal framework, confirming its consistency with regional practices. The council expressed consensus on the necessity of the ordinance.

Following the cannabis zoning discussion, the council addressed a proposed ordinance on temporary sign regulations. This initiative aimed to clarify rules surrounding business signage, including restrictions on the number, duration, and size of temporary signs. However, the proposal sparked debate among council members, who expressed concerns about potential impacts on community events and local organizations. One member remarked that the regulations might lead to increased staff inquiries, highlighting apprehension about community confusion. Due to the absence of two council members, the motion to reconsider the ordinance was made.

The meeting also featured a design variance request for the 2027 North Garden Street project, a key development initiative aiming to enhance pedestrian safety. The project proposes constructing a mini roundabout at the intersection of Garden Street and Fifth North Street with federal funding support. The variance request sought to allow deviations from state aid standards concerning parking distances, maintaining a 4-foot distance between parking stalls and traffic lanes rather than the mandated 14-foot distance for high-traffic roads. This adjustment was deemed necessary to accommodate the project’s layout while prioritizing pedestrian safety. The council deliberated on the benefits and potential impacts of the proposed changes.

Additionally, the council approved a variance request regarding parking standards adjacent to Harmon Park. The proposed changes aimed to increase the combined width of parking stalls and traffic lanes by 6 feet, addressing parking needs for adjacent recreation fields. The timing of peak traffic, which does not coincide with heavy use of diagonal parking, was considered, and the council approved the variance request, with plans to forward it to the Menot Variance Committee.

The meeting included discussions on an orderly annexation agreement with Cottonwood Township, revised to facilitate growth and development while ensuring public safety. The new agreement, with a 10-year term and decreased minimum size for agricultural development, was approved without objections. The council also supported a grant request to enhance the summer concert series in German Park, and another grant request to improve the pollinator park, both aimed at boosting community engagement.