A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed cannabis ordinances, which included discussions on zoning and administrative procedures. The council examined the potential locations for cannabis businesses within the city, considering both commercial and agricultural zones. Concerns were raised about the visibility and proximity of cultivation operations to residential areas, with suggestions to restrict cultivation to properties of 50 acres or more. The council debated whether cultivation should be confined to indoor spaces to reduce visibility and mitigate potential nuisances to neighbors. One speaker highlighted the proximity of commercial properties to residential zones, noting that many commercial districts lie adjacent to Highway 7.

The council also discussed operational hours for cannabis businesses, proposing to limit them from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. to ensure community safety and facilitate police oversight. Additionally, the concept of temporary cannabis events was introduced, which would allow pop-up sales under specific regulations, with the possibility of on-site consumption unless prohibited by the city. Establishing a permitting process for these events was emphasized to maintain city control over their occurrence.

The meeting further addressed the issue of a $20,000 sewer assessment forgiveness request from the Mater family. This assessment, dating back to the early 1970s, was imposed under the assumption that all properties would eventually connect to the sewer system. However, the Mater property remains outside the Metropolitan Council’s Municipal Wastewater Utility Service Area, lacking access to sewer lines. The council deliberated whether the assessment should be canceled, given the lack of benefit to the property. The council agreed to draft a resolution for the next meeting to address this unique case, noting that most similar assessments had already been settled.

Water infrastructure dominated discussions as the council evaluated ongoing water treatment projects, including the need to decommission wells and expand distribution systems along Highway 7. The projected cost of these initiatives was a concern, with total expenses estimated at $23.6 million, excluding additional drilling costs. The council discussed potential funding sources, including bonding money, and examined options to reduce costs, such as switching to a gravity filter design or adopting pressure filters. A pilot study was proposed to test water quality from existing wells before making significant investments. There was urgency to address water needs while considering financial implications for residents, with suggestions for public education on rising water costs and conservation efforts.

The council also explored financial models for funding the water infrastructure project, recognizing the challenges of relying on user fees due to the presence of private wells. Proposals for alternative funding mechanisms, such as property assessments, were considered, but fairness concerns were raised. The council decided to pause any immediate decisions, planning to revisit the topic with further financial details at a work session on February 3rd.

In addition to these primary topics, the council conducted interviews for the Parks and Planning Commission. Karissa, a newcomer to Minnetrista with a background as a Chief Financial Administrative Officer, expressed her passion for parks and community engagement. Lindsay Jameson, with experience in architectural drafting and project management, shared her enthusiasm for local government service. The council recommended appointing Karissa to the Parks Commission and Lindsay to the Planning Commission, recognizing the need for dedicated members in these areas. Existing members Jeff Riser and Daman Young were considered for reappointment.