Thanks to Mike’s Butcher Shop for their support. Hosting a dinner party? Simply looking for something quick and easy? From fresh cuts to grill-ready kabobs, you’ll find everything you need at Mike’s.
City Council reviewed updates to cannabis and liquor ordinances, focusing on the updated state laws for cannabis licensing, and discussed potential limits of liquor store licenses in response to resident concerns.
Liquor Ordinance Update
During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council discussed whether the city should limit the number of liquor store licenses in response to community complaints.
- Currently: There is no existing cap on the number of liquor stores in the city.
- Council’s take: Mayor Dave Napier and Council Member Wendy Berry want to dig deeper before taking any action. Council Member Doug Fromm supports a cap.
- What’s next: Staff will explore a potential cap on liquor stores for a future meeting.
Cannabis Ordinance Update
Council discussed minor changes to the city’s cannabis ordinance to comply with state law updates.
- Key change: Applicants must now work with local jurisdictions on zoning, location, and building inspection before receiving a license. Previously, they could obtain a license first and then handle local requirements.
- Tribal retail: Staff gave clarity on tribal retail locations, which do not need to be on tribal land. Cities can require tribal cannabis businesses to register with the city, but it won’t count toward the city’s license limits.
Strategic Plan Review
Staff brainstormed potential projects to advance the city’s strategic priorities, focusing on improving aesthetics, community engagement, and public spaces.
- Prioritized objectives: Decorating visible infrastructure with art by local artists and creating a weekly communication to highlight what’s happening in the city were just two of the multiple objectives prioritized in the strategic plan.
- Council’s take: The Council agreed with the order of priority, though Mayor Napier noted that the plan is heavy on staff time rather than financial investment, but supports moving forward.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- Met Council Rep: Victor Obisakin, the new Met Council representative and West St. Paul resident, introduced himself and shared the Met Council’s recent accomplishments, including making major investments in the wastewater treatment system and expanding Metro Transit. In the future, the Met Council will work to support local governments in implementing the Image 2050 regional development guide.
- Summer hours for city hall: Staff discussed shortening hours for city hall, opening an hour later in the morning and closing for Friday afternoon to improve productivity. Council supported the change, but expressed concern about communicating the change.
- EDA: The exterior improvement grant for awnings at 1098 Robert Street (Mike’s Butcher Shop and former Cardinal Corner space) was moved to the next meeting and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting canceled.
Engage
- Watch: City Council and OCWS meetings are archived online.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
We believe in government transparency and provide these West St. Paul City Council recaps with the support of our members.
