During the meeting, commissioners expressed concern about the process leading to the ordinance’s approval, which aimed to regulate flavored tobacco sales. There was criticism over an April 1 enforcement date being communicated without full board involvement. One commissioner noted the need for transparency and accountability, emphasizing that elected officials should answer to constituents about the enforcement timeline. The commissioner also advocated for further discussion about the ordinance’s impact on local businesses and its necessity given existing regulations in surrounding areas.

The ordinance’s goal is to protect youth from vaping products, yet there was skepticism about the effectiveness of local regulations in addressing broader issues often requiring state or federal intervention. Commissioners recognized that while local control is significant, their authority is limited against online sales and state laws. This led to a broader examination of how the county’s practices could improve public engagement and understanding of new policies.

The board agreed on the proposal to extend the enforcement date to June 1, allowing businesses more time to adjust. This proposal received mixed votes, with some dissenting due to procedural concerns. The board acknowledged the need for comprehensive communication with local businesses about the ordinance’s implications, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between public health objectives and minimizing undue burdens on businesses.

Further complicating the ordinance’s implementation were calls for a second public hearing to gather more community input, particularly from the 20% of the county not currently living under similar regulations. The motion for a second public hearing was met with procedural challenges, highlighting the need for clarity on the intent to amend or rescind the ordinance before proceeding with such a hearing.

The meeting also touched on other topics, such as the strategic plan developed by Food Partners. This plan involved stakeholder engagement, communication, and policy recommendations, with a focus on local food sustainability initiatives like the Felton School’s Share Cart program, which aims to reduce food waste. The program was praised for providing food to students in need and addressing food waste issues in public schools.

Another topic was the legislative priorities for the upcoming session, where flood mitigation funding was identified as a critical priority for both Clay County and the City of Moorhead. Coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and regular meetings were emphasized to ensure consistent communication regarding legislative efforts.

The board also discussed the Casa 36 Bridge replacement project, crucial for securing a federal RAISE grant. This $10 million project aims to replace the deficient bridge, with most funding expected from federal sources. The board confirmed that the bridge undergoes yearly inspections and remains passable despite its deficiencies.

The commissioners expressed a collective responsibility to ensure that all perspectives are considered, aligning their actions with the community’s interests and maintaining transparency throughout the legislative process.