Public Health discusses cannabis

The Mantorville City Council held a public hearing on Jan. 27, to discuss Minnesota’s new cannabis regulations. Amy Evans, the Public Health Director for Dodge County, was there to share updated information and answer questions.
Mantorville was considering deferring its regulatory authority to the county. Evans explained that this would allow for only two cannabis businesses in the county. If two businesses open outside of Mantorville then no business could be licensed to operate in Mantorville, according to Evans.
During the discussion, Evans said the state has not finished making the rules that will govern Cannabis operations. She thought that process would take until at least May or June and could take longer. She said in the last round of discussions and negotiations, several important health concerns were removed from the “rule-making” proposal, including some that would have regulated how cannabis was advertised.
In response to public concerns about a cannabis business’s signage, advertising, and zoning, the council chose to schedule a review of its applicable ordinances. In discussion, the council mentioned creating a safety net for citizens and businesses that minimizes the potential negatives of a cannabis business locating to Mantorville.
In other business, the Mantorville Fire Department moved their monthly meeting to the first Wednesday of each month. The department announced receiving a $40,000 grant to update their handheld radios.
The fire department and the council recognized councilmember Lynette Nash for her work in helping to secure donations for the purchase of a new Defibrillator (AED) for the fire department. Her efforts brought together funding from Berne Woodfired Pizza, The Mantorville Restoration Association, and the Kasson American Legion. These funds totaled $2,750 and covered the full purchase price of the unit.
Nash said that a defibrillator like the one being purchased had given her valuable moments with her husband Luke, before he passed. The memory gave her the passion to diligently pursue the grants.
Public Works reported that they had been working to cut down some of the dead ash trees lost to the Ash Borer Beetle over the last few years.
The city decided to move forward with accepting the donation of an approximately one-acre lot on Stagecoach Road. The lot has a waterway running down the middle, making building on the site problematic. The council discussed the possibility of creating a walking path or other public space on the land. The city clerk was directed to have the city attorney draw up an agreement to be revisited at a future meeting.
Just before adjournment, councilmember Lyle Hoaglund reported that after investigating city ordinances, wood stoves and outdoor wood boilers are permitted in city limits so long as they meet state standards and local building codes.