City of West St. Paul City Council Chambers

West St. Paul City Council Preview: July 22, 2024

Thanks to our members for making coverage of West St. Paul City Council meetings possible.

Potential marijuana ordinances and a townhouse development are the two big items on the West St. Paul City Council agenda.

Marijuana Ordinances

City staff is looking for Council input on potential marijuana ordinances and will discuss the topic during the Open Council Work Session (OCWS). There are a number of potential decisions, though overall the state has primary control. Among the decisions:

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  • Will the city run a municipal dispensary? (Not likely.)
  • Will the city limit the number of cannabis businesses? (Staff is recommending a limit of one.)
  • Will the city limit the hours for such businesses? (Limited options, no recommendation from staff.)
  • Where can these businesses be located and what is the buffer from schools?
  • Will lower potency products be treated differently?
  • Will cannabis production be restricted? (Likely.)

Council previously approved a narrow prohibition on marijuana in parks.

Townhouses at Former Church

Plans for 44 townhouses at the former site of Faith United Methodist Church on Oakdale will come before City Council for approval. Planning Commission considered the project earlier this week and approved all items unanimously with several recommendations added.

Other Items on the Agenda

  • Budget: The 2025 budget conversation continues during OCWS with a look at capital projects.
  • Smith/Dodd: During OCWS, Council will discuss whether or not to borrow from bonding funds to pay for underground utilities as part of the Smith/Dodd intersection realignment. The work will not be covered under the federal matching money, though it is possible to recoup the cost from redevelopment.

Engage

Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. for the OCWS) on Monday.

Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.

We believe in government transparency and provide these West St. Paul City Council previews with the support of our members.

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