The most pressing topic at the meeting was the amendment of zoning codes to regulate cannabis cultivation within Minnetrista. The council, informed by recommendations from the Planning Commission, focused on allowing cannabis cultivation exclusively in the Agricultural and Agricultural Preserve zoning districts, requiring parcels to be at least 50 acres in size. Concerns were expressed about potential nuisances such as odor and water consumption associated with the cultivation process. The council addressed these concerns by proposing to restrict cultivation to industrial zones, acknowledging that larger facilities, rather than small-scale operations, are likely to emerge to meet supply demands for dispensaries across Minnesota.

The council discussed the importance of establishing a robust zoning code before the issuance of cultivation licenses in February, emphasizing the urgency to have the regulations in place. Suggestions were made to increase the minimum lot size for cultivation to 100 acres to further mitigate concerns regarding odors and the visual impact on the community. The council expressed a consensus towards finalizing these zoning amendments to ensure they align with community expectations and regulatory requirements.

Attention then shifted to personnel changes within the Public Safety department. The promotions of Craig Squires to Public Safety Director and Patrick Cummings to Deputy Police Chief were approved, both effective March 27, 2025. These promotions come as part of a strategic effort to ensure continuity following the retirement of the current director. The Personnel Committee recommended these promotions after evaluating current compensation structures and potential overtime expenses. Squires’ new salary was proposed at around $635 per hour, including average overtime costs, while Cummings would receive a 5% salary increase to approximately $66.55 per hour. The council expressed confidence in both candidates.

In addition to zoning and personnel matters, the council addressed a range of other issues. Legal updates were provided, including ongoing litigation concerning dog barking citations and a lawsuit against a non-compliant boat storage facility. The council is seeking to resolve these matters, acknowledging the legal costs involved and potential implications for city operations.

The topic of allowing residents to keep chickens within city limits was also discussed. Interest from constituents prompted the council to consider this matter further in a future work session. The complexities of existing homeowners’ association bylaws and other regulatory factors were acknowledged, with a suggestion to invite the resident who initiated the request to present their case during the session.

The council also considered a request from a homeowners’ association for a crosswalk installation at Wen Cove. Although the engineering team had determined that certain locations did not meet the criteria for crosswalks, the council recognized its discretion to act on community needs and requests.

Looking ahead, the council scheduled a strategic planning session to address various issues, including a water treatment plant discussion and the 2026 Street Project. The importance of community engagement and transparency in communication was emphasized, with plans for a potential town hall meeting in June to discuss water infrastructure and fire partnership issues.