The council’s most pressing topic was the introduction of two ordinances concerning cannabis regulation. The first ordinance focused on cannabis registration, establishing local regulations for the distribution and use of cannabis products. Key components of this ordinance include setting a cap on cannabis retail licenses, with only two allowed in Wilmar, based on state law requirements tied to the city’s population. Additionally, the ordinance mandates preliminary inspections and annual compliance checks by the Wilmar Police Department to ensure retailers adhere to local and state regulations. Buffer zones were also defined, prohibiting cannabis retailers from setting up within 1,000 feet of schools and 500 feet from daycares, treatment facilities, and parks frequented by minors.

The ordinance introduces zoning provisions, designating specific business districts where cannabis operations can occur and allowing the city to run a municipal cannabis retail business without affecting the cap on private retailers. Registration fees for new businesses were also discussed.

A second ordinance addressed the prohibition of on-site consumption of cannabis products at temporary events. The council expressed a need for clarity regarding state guidelines from the Office of Cannabis Management, which were open for public comment until February 12. Amendments to the ordinance are anticipated as state processes evolve. The council planned a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment to determine permissible locations for various cannabis businesses, including retail and cultivation facilities. The council unanimously approved a motion to publish the ordinance summary.

Concerns were raised about ensuring the new ordinance rectifies past issues with retail marijuana sales under previous regulations. It was clarified that the existing THC ordinance would be recommended for repeal once state licensing is initiated, consolidating all cannabis-related products under the new framework. Questions about boundary restrictions for temporary cannabis events were also addressed.

The council also considered a cooperative agreement for building official services with Atwater, Candy Ohi, and New London. With the impending retirement of their building official, these municipalities sought Willmar’s assistance for permitting and inspection services. This pilot program, in discussion for nearly a year, is set for one year with agreements tailored to each municipality’s needs. The planning and development director emphasized Willmar’s capacity to support these communities effectively. Discussions regarding the inclusion of other municipalities, such as Pinok, were confirmed to be ongoing, but participation had not been finalized.

Another topic was the designation of the West Central Tribune as the city’s official newspaper, a decision that passed unanimously. Council members engaged in dialogue over this decision, with one member proposing the Lakes Area Review as an alternative. However, the motion to amend the designation failed due to the lack of a second. The city attorney explained the legal requirements for designating an official newspaper and confirmed that the West Central Tribune met these criteria due to its circulation.

In addition to these significant agenda items, the council addressed the annual assignment of Council Committee Member liaison positions. Members were invited to propose changes to a draft listing of longstanding committees and boards. Discussions included the status of the WMER Cable Advisory Board, set to be combined in 2025, and the absence of an alternate member for the Intergovernmental Planning and Communication Committee. A motion to approve the liaison assignments passed through a roll call vote.

The meeting also included routine operational matters, such as the approval of consent items featuring minutes from prior meetings and various operational agreements. The council clerk presented these items, which included resolutions for official depositories and other agreements. The motion to approve the consent agenda passed unanimously.

In the course of the meeting, newly elected council members took the oath of office, affirming their commitment to the Constitutions of the United States and Minnesota, as well as the city charter. This marked the beginning of their terms following the recent election, which saw the reelection of two council members and the election of new members to Wards 1 and 2.