The most significant topic was the council’s in-depth discussion on allowing the sale of THC-infused products, particularly beverages, in the city. Concerns were raised over the potential loss of business to neighboring communities like Baxter, where such products are already available. One participant highlighted the growing demand for THC items, noting daily customer inquiries. The financial implications of not offering these products were a focal point, with estimates suggesting potential gross revenue from THC sales could be as high as $100,000, translating to an additional $8,000 in profit with an 8-10% profit margin.

There were differing opinions on the matter. Some expressed opposition to the sale of THC products, particularly gummies and brownies, citing concerns about the city’s involvement in selling these items. The conversation turned to the impact of THC sales on alcohol sales, which have reportedly been flat or declining. A suggestion was made to delay the introduction of THC products until 2025, allowing the council to gather data from other municipalities that have already implemented such sales. This cautious approach was supported by those who believed more information was necessary to make an informed decision.

The council also discussed the strategy of applying for a license to sell THC products even if sales would not commence immediately. This measure was seen as beneficial, simplifying the licensing process and avoiding potential complications later. The cost of the license was minimal, likely under $300.

In another discussion, the council approved the ADA Transition Plan, presented by Alex Bidder, a civil engineer from Woodset. The plan aims to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and originated from previous complaints regarding accessibility in the city. The initiative requires public entities with more than 50 employees to develop such a plan, particularly if they intend to seek federal funding.

The plan involved a self-evaluation of existing policies, practices, and programs, alongside an assessment of pedestrian access routes. A survey conducted in July revealed that 72 out of approximately 111 pedestrian ramps were non-compliant, with 62 requiring full reconstruction and 10 needing minor adjustments. The estimated cost for reconstructing the non-compliant pedestrian ramps is around $310,000, with total improvements projected at nearly $320,000.

The importance of a Geographic Information System (GIS) was emphasized, which would enable the city to monitor and manage compliance effectively. The GIS would allow city officials to visualize the compliance status of each pedestrian ramp and facilitate ongoing updates as improvements are made. The plan prioritizes the downtown area due to its high foot traffic, and while the city must address non-compliance, immediate rectification of all issues is not required, as it would incur financial burdens. Instead, improvements will be integrated into broader street projects over time.

The council also discussed identifying an ADA coordinator responsible for addressing complaints and overseeing compliance. Public participation was deemed vital, with outreach efforts including advertisements in the local paper inviting citizens to submit concerns. The timeline for complaints is structured to ensure timely responses, with a designated process for appeals if initial resolutions are unsatisfactory.

Additionally, the council debated the 2025 Road Bond project, highlighting a significant divergence of opinions on the process for contracting engineering services. While the Public Works Committee recommended seeking quotes for engineering services, concerns were raised about potential delays this could impose on the project. The urgency of addressing road conditions in the community was underscored, with some council members questioning the rationale behind disregarding the committee’s recommendation. The debate centered on the need for competitive bidding to ensure fiscal prudence, given the project’s substantial financial implications.

The council also addressed a proposal from the Liquor Committee to engage PFM Financial Advisors for a financial analysis related to the city’s liquor fund. This analysis would provide insights into cash flow and bonding capacity as the city considers potential projects. Ongoing discussions regarding the liquor fund included the potential development of a new building and evaluating the current status of the spirits expansion project, which was ultimately deemed unviable due to property constraints.

In the context of parks and recreation, the council reviewed a proposal for city park planning, including a fundraising goal of $600,000 to secure a DNR outdoor recreation grant with a maximum award of $350,000. The council emphasized the necessity for careful preparation of the grant application, including detailed maps and documentation to illustrate access and inclusivity features effectively.

The meeting also included budget discussions, with a preliminary levy decision scheduled for September 17th and a budget workshop planned for September 10th. The council reviewed the 2025 budget summary, including general fund revenues and expenditures, and discussed the importance of allowing room for variables and unknowns in the budgeting process. Proposed increases in wages and benefits, capital improvement plans, and rising legal costs associated with ongoing projects were highlighted.