[0:00] Heat. Heat. [Music] [0:51] We'll call the city council regular meeting to order for Monday, July 21st, 2025. Would everyone please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [1:20] >> Call the role, please. >> Council member Wilson, >> here. Mayor Hoy >> here. >> Council member Bernetts >> here. Council member Lean >> here. >> All right. Are there any changes to the agenda? >> Nicker Holly. >> Steve. >> All right. Unless there's any changes, I would seek a motion to approve the agenda. [1:38] >> Motion to approve. >> Second by Holly, second by Steve. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Moving on to item 51 in our announcements is our top the tater days recap and introduction to the 2025 Farmington Ambassadors. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. We're excited to have Jeff and Christy Kerr here to give us a recap of the 2025 Top the Tater Days, as well as Holly Shear with some representatives, the 2025 Farmington Ambassadors to give themselves an introduction. So, with that, turn it over. [2:10] >> Thank you so much for the invitation to be here tonight. I'm Christy Kerr. I'm currently serving as the chair of the Farmington and area enhancement group which is uh a group that oversees uh what was due days and this year changed to top the tater days. So we just celebrated our festival here in Farmington and thank you so much for the invitation to give a recap. We had a wonderful uh uneventful, right? I think it was uneventful. Um very fun community event. A little history behind the change of the name. Um, Due Days was named in 1979 for uh, Mountain Dew came to the city um, and asked if they would have a festival. And as Holly brought it back to life a few years ago as the chair of the committee uh, as we were starting to grow this festival back, we really wanted to find a community [2:56] partner, a local business to partner with. And so we about a year ago started having meetings with Kemps and talking about how they could partner with us. And so we were able to sign a multi-year deal with Chemps uh to have them be the naming sponsor for now what is Top the Tater Day since all the Top the Tater that they make is made here in Farmington and that will go to the 100redyear anniversary. It's locked in until the 100redy year anniversary of the Kemps plant with uh an they can sign on to do more if we want to do that. Uh but this year was an incredibly successful event. Not only did we uh were we able to highlight a lot of our community organizations like the FFA, um local businesses like Fissan Kennels were able to do demos. Um we were also able to attract a lot of new people this [3:43] year because of the visibility of Kemps and Top the Tater. We had a lot of people that said, "I drove from Duth. I drove from Rochester and came to visit." So, it we were pride uh proud to be able to represent our town, let people see what we do here and our amazing community. One of the other things I was really proud of this year was I think our local businesses all saw a big bump in their own business. So, we've been really trying to make it a partnership with our local businesses and having them involved. Um, and so I was excited to see a lot of them opening their doors in downtown having sidewalk sales. Um the Rotary talked about making triple what they have made in years past and that's all money that goes back into the community. Uh so it was a really fun uh event. We hope to continue to see it grow. Uh Kemps was very pleased with [4:31] their response and so they've already been talking about ideas to help expand and grow next year and we're planning the same. So thank you for again for the opportunity. We um my husband Jeff and I, we pastor Homestead Church in Farmington and we volunteer our time for this because we are firm believers in the power of shared uh experiences between people. And when people can come together and they can have fun and their kids can have fun, it reminds people what community is all about. It reminds people that we have a lot more in common no matter what we disagree about. And so we really believe there's it was a powerful time to bring our community together. And I'm going to introduce our Farmington ambassadors for 2025. They were recently crowned during Top the Tater Days and they're going to share a little bit as well. Come on up. [5:22] >> Nobody wants to be first. >> I'm going to introduce them, but not introduce them. Um, these are our junior ambassadors that were selected about a month ago um to represent Top the Tater Days in the city of Farmington. So, while the festival is completed for this year, these ladies job is to go out to other communities within the state and promote the city of Farmington and Top the Tater Days. So, I'll let them introduce themselves and let them explain what they thought was their favorite event for Top the Tater Days. [5:55] >> Awesome. >> Okay. Hi, I'm Ari Flores Cortez. I will be a freshman at Farmington High School and my favorite event was the bed races. I especially liked it because of all the costumes and seeing everyone being in their teams and just having fun, especially everyone else just cheering them on. I love seeing people get together and just cheering others on. [6:18] So, hello. My name is Kate Morhead. I will be a freshman at Farmington High School. And I really liked the hoown because how it brought the community together and how much fun it was with people you don't even know. [6:38] >> Hi, my name is Violet Strong. I will be a freshman at the Farmington High School. And my favorite event was probably the kiss of kiss the pig because I really enjoyed watching them make their own desserts and seeing the pig's reactions. >> I love it. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> I love it. [6:55] Nick any [7:02] >> No, I appreciate everything you guys do. Like I said, we're we're here being ambassadors locally, but you guys go out farther than we ever do. So, um we're proud of you and you represent us well out there. You and the uh upper level ambassadors, too. So, thank you very much for your for your service. [7:21] Oh, I just love that you were all able to come here tonight. Um, for several reasons, primarily because of the community aspect of of what it is that due days and now top the tater days is and and why we have it and why we celebrated and why it was important for us to keep it going even when it was a little bit on uh I don't know some rocky soil there for a minute. Uh so just huge huge thanks to uh Christy, Jeff, the entire organizing and planning committee. Truly um for those that don't understand what it takes, you you probably have what 30 days and then uh and then it all starts again. Um and so this is not something that comes together in a matter of a few weeks or [8:07] even a few months. It's it's a thing that individuals within the comm community within the community volunteer for and dedicate their time to organize and execute. And so for the thousands of people that are from Farmington and for those that aren't, just an acknowledgement truly of the energy and the commitment um that it takes and a level of gratitude to both you Christie and to you Holly um for what you pour in to the community and to the ambassadors. [8:36] >> Um thank you. Thank you for coming here tonight and thank you for representing our community so well in all of the different places that you go. Uh you really are the face of Farmington outside of Farmington at all of these other festivals and that's a huge responsibility and uh we're very grateful for you um wanting to do that to sign up to give your time for it and uh for doing such a great job. So thanks for that. [9:04] Steve, boy, I don't know how I can top Holly's comments. Um, yeah, I will first say to the ambassadors that you really are, you know, representing our community throughout the years. So, thank you for stepping up and congratulations on being selected. Um, and to Jeff and Christie, I know you are the face of Top the Tater Days um, throughout this year, but you two are just huge ambassadors and advocates for the Farmington community through through Homestead and for everything you do. So, I just want to thank both of you for that. And Christie, I took note that you're wearing a green coat. I don't think that was by accident. [9:44] So, thank you both. >> To the ambassadors first. Um, I don't know if you fully grasp at this point the weight of what being an ambassador is, and I hope you realize that you're setting the path for future ambassadors. [10:04] So as as you go out and you find yourselves in other communities, you find yourselves around other ambassadors, um while we appreciate the championing of the community and all the great things, I think the bigger life lesson there is is the the ground that that you're laying for future ambassadors and what it means to be a good human being, what it means to be an advocate, to be positive, and to continue to do that work. um not only across our community and all of the events, but across the state at the endless number of events that you're going to find yourselves at over the next year. Um more importantly, enjoy it. Enjoy it. Take time to to really soak in what it is that you're [10:50] doing because speaking to past ambassadors, um you're going to reflect on it years down the road. You know, you you'd all said that you're going to be freshman this year. Before you know it, you're going to be graduates and you're going to be coming back and talking to future ambassadors and going through future coronations and ceremonies and enjoy it. [11:11] Enjoy it because it is very meaningful and impactful work. Um, but it's very much personal to you and I and I hope you you take the time to really soak that in because it's a big deal uh to the committee, not only Jeff and Christie, but the entire top dictator days committee. um that event was gone was gone and it it took a short-term lift, but it took a a long-term plan and to watch what the event has become over the last few years and knowing what its potential can be and continue to grow into. Um, it's fascinating to see people from not just cities but states away come to partake in our Farmington [11:56] Festival and to see the smiles and hear from people about how amazing it is. And I especially love hearing from the first- timers. Oh, we didn't even know this existed. And, you know, fill in the blank with all the the amazing expletives, right? um they just people enjoy it and and that that it's a heavy lift and I'm gonna I'm gonna say this like very loud publicly. It's very easy for someone to criticize what a thing is or is not. It's another to actually stand up, step in line, and do the work to put on events like that. Um, and and I hope both of you along with the other members of the committee took the time to um, soak in the fruits of your labor because it it I was there for a part of it and [12:42] it was amazing. Um, the pictures and and the comments that you hear from people are just it's phenomenal as to what it's become and especially excited to see what it what it will continue to grow into. So, on behalf of a a very grateful community, thank you for everything that you guys do very much. So, thank you. [13:06] And we have an action-packed agenda, so don't any of you all run out of here. Little lesson on local government. Uh, moving on. Next item on our agenda is citizen comments. If there's anyone in attendance wishing to speak, you can do so at this time. [13:24] All right. Having none, we'll move on to item seven, which is our consent agenda. I'd seek a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by Nick, second by Steve. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> All right. Our next item on the agenda is a public hearing for the resolution 2025 tag 051 approving the adoption of the city's 5-year street reconstruction plan and authorizing the issuance of street reconstruction bonds. I'd like to go ahead and open the public hearing at this time. [14:08] Evening, mayor and council members. I'll just briefly review the projects which are included in the 5-year uh street re street reconstruction plan. Uh we have more than this in the upcoming CIP, but this is the next five years. This is the basis for the bonding uh that will be discussed and that we're requesting action on. You've seen most of these before. The new one that you probably haven't seen much is 2029. [14:33] Uh but one of these is under construction already. A little background. Uh we're recommending bonds be issued to partially fund street reconstruction projects over the next five years. That issuance of bonds requires a public hearing. After the public hearing, we'll require we'll request approval of the resolution in your packet. [14:55] In 2023, we completed the citywide pavement rating. In 2024, and subsequent years, we'll rerate a third of the pavement pavement in the city to keep the data fresh. Uh, one thing we're working on this year is we're moving the data from Icon Software to OpenGV software. [15:14] Probably doesn't mean much to you, but it's kind of exciting for me. Uh, open gov software is what we use for our fleet management uh that Damon's been doing such a fantastic job with. Part of that software also has asset management for pavement. So, we're going to take advantage of that and try and consolidate some of our data tracking. [15:33] So, based heavily on the PCI, but also considering other factors, we put together this 5-year plan. It's reviewed and adjusted each year. projects that are on the municipal state aid system. We don't have to bond for those, so they're not included in this presentation, but we do have projects. [15:50] Um, cities over a population of 5,000 in the state of Minnesota are part of the municipal state aid system. Uh, so Farmington receives about $1.2 million a year. Uh, 25% of that we allocate toward maintenance. The rest we use for construction. um recently you authorized the little street reconstruction project. That's a state aid project that'll be funded through state aid funds. [16:17] So the 2025 street improvements which are underway uh include the following areas shown on the map and listed. Sunnyside Drive from Ash to Centennial, Fairview from Sunnyside to Park, Centennial Fairview to Sunnyside, Centennial Court, and Sunnyside Circle. [16:36] A couple of those you may remember discussions we had about uh narrowing the roadway that's included in the project some reconfiguration of the culde-sacs. Uh a contract award was awarded to McNamera contracting and this construction project is underway. [16:53] 2026 street Improvements is much more straightforward. It's second street from Ash to spruce. So it's one big long street. When doing the reconstruction projects, uh, some people wonder, well, you're in the area, why don't you do these other culde-sacs, too? We focus on the condition, but we also focus on how many users we have of that roadway. [17:14] Unfortunately, culde-sacs aren't as heavily used as something like Second Street. So, that's what gets the attention. In 2027, very similarly, we have Seventh Street from Ash to south of Walnut and Beach Street, uh, shown graphically here. You may notice that the west end of the Beach Street, uh, ties into the Sixth Street project that was completed last year near Farmington Elementary. [17:41] In 2028, uh, this is broken up a little more. Pine Street 5th to 8th, sixth remain to Pine, Lynen from 5th to 7th, 7th from Willow to Lynon and we also have two studies in 2028. The 9inth Street Backage Road and the Carver Lane Backage Road. [17:59] These are the areas proposed for reconstruction in 2028. Shown graphically, uh, Willow Street, as you can see, fits right in there. That will be completed this year. We don't like to have parallel roads under construction at the same time. it it u hampers travel especially when we're under construction and then the two studies will simply look at backage road possibilities in these two areas. Uh so some of the bond proceeds have been allocated to study this. In some cases we've got rightway or have allocated rightaway space to look at backage roads and that's to provide alternatives to additional connections to highway 3. Um both of these studies have been in the CIP for [18:45] many years. Uh and it's just coming to the point where we need to uh get them done and and come to some conclusion as to what our intentions are in 2029. Again, um parts partial streets Fairview Lane from Park to Heritage, Centennial Drive, Sunnyside to three, Carver Lane, Trunk Highway 3 to 224th, and Oak Street 9th to 12th. So in 2029, we have kind of a scattered project. Uh but this is filling in some of the gaps and doing some of the streets that we couldn't undertake when we were in the neighborhood. Uh so that's the 20 29 street improvements. [19:25] Requested action is to hold the public hearing and then consider adoption of the resolution. With that, I'd be happy to respond to any questions. >> Thank you, sir. Steve, any questions? I don't. Holly, >> no questions. Nick, >> nothing for me. [19:42] >> I don't have any questions. I uh I would just make a comment that I especially appreciate um your passion in getting behind the PCI, the payment condition index, >> and utilizing the data-driven decision-making model that helps us use this as a it's a five-year plan that we can hold ourselves to. So even just a few minutes ago for those that are watching or will watch this when you reference second street right even if the traffic patterns aren't there the PCI index and doing that in three-year intervals allows us to monitor the degradation of the quality of the pavement. So if the data supports a a [20:27] chip coating or a seal coating or a mill and overlay or a full, you know, replacement, we'll let the data drive that decision. And it might seem convenient to go, but there's just right there. Why don't you just do it? Because if you did that everywhere, where would you end up? You'd have sp expending a lot of money um replacing things that don't need it. And so being very um aware and having the discipline to follow the PCI I think is going to be imperative in years to come. So I just I I don't think I can say that loud enough how much I appreciate us going down this avenue. So thank you. [21:08] >> Certainly. Um and this is one example. Second Street, you may recall that we had Honeysuckle laying on this originally. Uh but based on pricing um and looking at you know how our costs increased we just couldn't take on honeysuckle lane. I think we'd be over. [21:24] Uh we were doing honeysuckle lane because it was close by. It does serve a number of properties but we'll come back and and take care of it. Uh I would mention that we're unrelated to bonding. We're also out for bids on our 2025 mil overlay project. So, uh, those streets that don't qualify for reconstruction based on their pavement condition, that's a melon overlay and we'll get some more more of those done this year. [21:47] >> Thank you very much. Um, because this is a public hearing, uh, if anyone in attendance would like to come up and either pose a question or make comment, feel free to do so at this time. All right, seeing none, I will go ahead and close the public hearing at this time. Uh any other comments, questions, deliberation to be had? [22:11] >> All right. Seeing none, then I will seek a motion to adopt resolution 2025 tax 051 approving the adoption of the city's 5-year street reconstruction plan and authorizing the issuance of general obligation street reconstruction bonds and establishing compliance and reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code. [22:30] >> So moved. >> Second. Motion by Holly, second by Steve. Call the role, please. Council member Bernett, >> yes. Council member Lean, >> yes. >> Council member Wilson, >> yes. >> Mayor Hoy, >> yes. >> All right. Next item on the agenda is 91, which is receive bids and award a contract for the police department security fence project. [22:51] We have Sergeant Solder with us this evening. Welcome sir. >> Good evening, Mayor, members of council. Put my cheaters on here. The city or the Farmington Police Department seeks to improve the security of its critical infrastructure, including the city's fiber hub and the police evidence room by constructing a perimeter fence around the police department. [23:18] Plans and specs were developed in consultation with W architects and engineers. Advertisements for bids were posted. The project was publicly bid in accordance with applicable municipal procurement laws and federal grant conditions. [23:36] So, we received four bids on Thursday. We did have one bid come in under budget or right at budget. Um, this is being paid for by a federal Department of Justice grant. [23:54] And with that, do you have any questions? I also have uh Jason, >> I'm sorry, Jacob Woolenack here with W Architects to answer any questions to on the project. >> Awesome. Thank you, sir. Holly, any questions? [24:12] >> Um, no, actually it's it's fairly straightforward to me. I'm I'm glad that we are in a position finally where we can protect some of the city's more expensive assets uh and and have something like this moving forward. So, I'm just excited to see it take shape. [24:32] >> Nick? >> Yeah, I think we've talked about this quite a bit enough. I'm happy to see it kind of finally moving along here. Um I don't have any real questions other than that though. >> All right, Steve. >> Yeah, I would echo what Holly and Nick said. I would also add that I appreciate your department bringing this to us and I think it's um an important addition for for the police department infrastructure. [24:56] >> Yeah, I'm going to run alongside them and in in the comments. Um it is really exciting to finally see the level of dollars come back into our community. You know, you can argue about the source funding all day long, but at the end of the day, it's dollars that are coming back here instead of going somewhere else. And even going back a few years when um former deputy chief Jimmy was talking about the expansion and getting into that, the security fence had come up and the opportunity. I mean, here this is something that is being subs not subsidized, but funded outside of the community. This is a significant capital infrastructure project that is not coming on the taxpayers's backs um either residential [25:41] or business. Um my only question would be um for it was Jacob, right? >> Jake. Yep. >> Jake um with the police expansion coming. Mhm. >> Um, is there any site readiness work that's been identified that we won't run into a scenario two years from now where oh, we have to fix this or we need to redo this because of the expansion. Is it has it been planned and prepared around the inevitable? [26:10] >> Thank you, mayor. Yes. Um, obviously the future planning and giving flexibility was a huge uh part of the design and the thought process. I'd say that the the alternate that was included was a maybe the only thing that would have been in flux for that future project and we are not recommending that that alternate be awarded. Um that's essentially to connect the perimeter fence to the building and separate the public from the staff uh squad parking. And I think with discussions with the police department uh really felt that that future project is likely going to impact that investment. And as you can see in the council packet, that alternate is not cheap. [26:50] >> Um, so I think in the future expansion project, uh, there'd likely be the opportunity to seal off between the public and the squad areas. Uh, but outside of that, it's all along the perimeter and there's really no, um, impact to any future project other than maybe a few kind of electrical or other underground conduit things that might have to shift around. So >> awesome. I appreciate that. And the uh the timeline you're comfortable with. It looks like to me it's seems fairly egregious but >> so the funding does have a date. I think September 31st and we're uh >> we've worked with Roshan and I did contact them and get their input and uh they're aware of the date and I'm glad that we're able to have this meeting, you know, 4 days or 5 days after the bid opening so we can hopefully get them [27:37] under contract and get the ball rolling here. So >> awesome. I I appreciate it very much. Thank you. >> No problem. Thank you, mayor. >> All right, with that, um, let me we will seek a motion to actually, let me correct this. Amy, can I I read off all three of them separately? It's just one motion. All right. [27:57] >> I would do them separately. >> Do them separately. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, I'd seek a motion to receive bids for the police department security fence project. >> Motion. Motion by Steve, second by Holly. Call the role, please. >> Council member Wilson. >> Yes. Council member or I'm sorry, Mayor White. [28:15] >> Yes. >> Council member Bernat. >> Yes. >> Council member Lean. >> Yes. >> All right. They seek a motion to award the contract to Roshan Corporation in the amount of $658,000. >> Motion. >> Motion by Holly. >> Second. >> Second by Nick. [28:30] >> Call the RO, please. >> Mayor Hititt. >> Yes. >> Council member Bats. >> Yes. >> Council member Lean. >> Yes. >> Council member Wilson. >> Yes. All right. And finally, I'd seek a motion to authorize the mayor and city clerk to execute the construction contract. >> Motion second. >> Motion by Nick, second by Steve. Call the role, please. [28:47] >> Council member Lean, >> yes. >> Uh, council member Wilson, >> yes. >> Mayor Hoy, >> yes. >> Council member Bernat, >> yes. >> Awesome. Thank you, sir. All right. Right. Next item under new business is 121, which is ordinance 2025 tag 004 establishing cannabis and hemp business regulations and amending the 2025 fee schedule for retail registration. [29:11] >> I'll be taking that this evening, Mr. Mayor. So, as we know, in 2023, the Minnesota State Legislature legalized recreational marijuana and uh created the Office of Cannabis Management to govern the uh registration and operations of cannabis businesses. Um as part of that um act and with the creation of the Office of Can Man cannabis management, the uh registration process is a two-part process for cannabis businesses. they have to first apply to the state to the office of canvas management and then once they give an approval it then goes down to the local municipality level for a local approval. So as part of that as we discussed during the work session on July 7th uh the city has to enact a [29:57] local ordinance to govern our half of the registration process which is what ordinance 2025 tax 004 uh does. Um couple highlights of this ordinance. Um from a registration process, what it restricts, um it requires that um any retail business within the city of Farmington has to be obviously first approved by the by the office of campus management. Has to meet all state building code requirements. uh it has to meet um all the requirements within this proposed ordinance to which would fall under uh city code title 3 and then it also needs to meet all the requirements within title 10 which is the zoning code as well. Um that is something that was [30:44] passed in 20 the zoning piece was passed in 2024. Uh registered businesses will have to operate so that no odors whether the smell of cannabis or other odors related to the operation of that business can be detected by a person with a normal sense of smell at the exterior of the business property line. Registered businesses cannot occupy a residential dwelling unit. Um and based upon a submission of completion uh complete application payment of fees, registrations will be processed on a first come first basis as part of the uh uh legislation. [31:21] Um the legislature did put into effect caps on the amount of um or the option to have caps on the amount of licenses and municipality may have and it is based upon number of residents. So it's one it's a requirement of one license per 12,500 residents. So 0 to 12,500 is one, 12,51 to 25,000 2 and so on. Um in discussions as in as we discussed on July 7th um what the number that we would be using would be the annual um uh census or not really census but the annual estimate from the state demographers's office. So right now we're right about that just shy of the [32:08] 25,000 number which would have us at two licenses. Once we break 251 we'd go up to three. Again that would just be based off of a first come first- serve basis and then they do have to be renewed annually. Uh the ordinance does have hours and days of sale. So retail sale of cannabis, cannabis flour, cannabis products, lower potency hemp edibles or hemp derived consumer products. It's limited to 8:00 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm on Sunday. [32:39] And then the sale of lower potency hemp edibles, which are beverages, um are permitted at a location that is currently holding an on or off sale intoxicating liquor licenses during their business hours as outlined um within the intoxicating liquor ordinance and shall be served in a similar manner to intoxicating beverages. [33:01] Um, when it comes to the use of cannabis, uh, the ordinance states that no person shall use cannabis flour, cannabis products, lower potency, hemp edibles, or hemp derived consumer products in a public space or in a place of public accommodation unless the premises is an establishment that is licensed or an event licensed to permit on sale consumption of cannabis products. And the definitions for all these things are also in the ordinance. [33:28] We did want to point out um that this ordinance specifically governs uh t uh cannabis products and it does not govern uh uh tobacco. Um which is something we also discussed at the workshop and I think something that the park board is going to be working on. [33:48] Um as part of the review of this ordinance uh it was on the recommendation of police chief seam um that title 3 chapter 20 of the city code which is drug related devices uh is no longer applicable and should be um deleted from the code which is part of this ordinance. [34:08] And also this ordinance amends the fee schedule for the city to incorporate um the fees related to the licensing process. Again, this ordinance has been reviewed by staff, including the city attorney. And so tonight we are looking for a motion uh to pass ordinance 2025 tax 004 which amends title 3 business regulations by adding chapter 27 cannabis and hemp retail registration deletes chapter 20 drugrelated devices and amends title 8 chapter 12 fees and chargers schedule. And with that I'll take any questions that the council has. [34:46] >> Thank you Nick. I guess just one for I guess my own public understanding. How many active permit requests do we have or have we seen or inquiries in general? I guess >> to my knowledge none. [35:02] >> To my knowledge >> even okay um I don't have any other questions beside that. I said I appreciate that we kind of got I feel like we my first answer is because I feel like we have gotten ahead of this a little bit um so that we're not kind of playing catch-up as we go. So, I appreciate all the hard work on this and a lot of good discussion on the topic too. [35:22] >> Holly, >> uh, I have nothing more to add. >> Steve, >> um, David, just for again kind of public clarification like Nick was talking about. So, we talk about the noticeable odor >> outside the business. Now, that would be the business generating odor, >> correct? But that doesn't mean that a resident or consumer of the product couldn't be walking by the store and there being odor. Is there a distinction between that or kind of clarify that? [35:53] From what I understand it is about like if there's a if you are a cannabis business and I'm standing at your property line I shouldn't have a strong odor of can be able to have smells from >> the from that >> from that business >> from that business. [36:09] >> Thank you. because the the smell of the use would fall under the use in public spaces then >> correct >> to try to >> that's a that's state that's like a state directive right like general provision as to what they're they want us to follow yeah >> okay >> and I will just I should just add that the ordinance um that is before you tonight and we discussed on July 7th that's actually using uh the model ordinance that was created by the office of cannabis management which has been pretty much what most municipalities across the state have been using. [36:42] >> I don't have any questions. Thank you for the presentation. Thank you to my peers. We've we've gone through multiple work sessions and talked about this in various phases and to you know the planning commission for working on it and you know the the park and rec advisory board to their input. Um this is very much a the state said it's legal. Here we go. Let's start running without a whole lot of guidelines and a whole lot of guard rails. And it has been two and a half years almost three years in the making now to like get to a point. So all that to say that this is not perfect. It is good based on what the information we have in front of us now. [37:24] Real life application may cause us to go back and change some things. There are some um there are some lines that we can't cross. The state requires that we shall issue one per 125. Like we can't reduce that. But there are definitely parameters that um could be looked at and evaluated as with most or any ordinances in the future. So this is very much a we're going to take it in baby steps and work our way through it as it moves forward. So thank you to everybody who's been involved over the last few years with this. Uh, with that I would seek a motion to pass ordinance 2025 tag 004 amending title 3 business regulations by adding chapter 27 cannabis and hemp retail registration deleting chapter 20 drugrelated devices and amending title 8 chapter 12 fees and [38:11] charges schedule. >> Motion >> motion by Holly. >> Second by Nick. Call the role, please. >> Council member Wilson, >> yes. >> Mayor Hoy, >> yes. >> Council member Bernat, >> yes. Council member Lean. >> Yes. All right. Thank you. Next item 122 is repeal of title 4, chapter 1, section 4, tac1, tac 2 of the Farmington city code. Josh, see I can find this. [39:01] All right. Uh, Mayor Hoy, council members. Um, tonight I'm here to talk about the repealing of chapter 1306, which is an optional fire sprinkler provision that we adopted um in 2003 and again in 2008. [39:16] Uh, chapter 1306 is an optional chapter that communities can adopt in addition to this the Minnesota State Building Code. The optional chapters aim to enhance safety and provide safeguards for property preservation in our community. [39:35] A little timeline about the adoption of 1306 as it applies to Farmington. Prior to 1999, the Farmington City Code included chapter 1306, but al ultimately city council chose to repeal the chapter, citing opposition to the requirement to sprinkle existing buildings and also the costs associated with the installation. [40:00] In 2003, the state made revisions to chapter 1306, which made it more narrowly applied for local communities. In response, we readopted it. Um, we adopted subp part three, which did not require existing buildings to comply with fire sprinkler provisions. [40:23] Uh, based on input and direction received from the council, um, staff is requesting approval of ordinance 2025 tag 005, the repeal of chapter 1306 in its entirety. currently as adopted. New buildings, additions to existing buildings or buildings which the occupancy classification has changed must install automatic sprinkler systems. [40:54] Uh staff recommendation is the repeal of chapter 1306. This gives our design professionals, architects the flexibility to apply existing building codes when designing new buildings. additions or remodels in buildings where the occupancy classification has changed. The requirements for fire sprinklers do not go away, which is a key takeaway tonight. Rather, the threshold for when they are required simply follows the model code that's accepted and enforced throughout the nation. [41:29] Um along with the Minnesota building code, the city of Farmington has several other processes and operational changes that we've made that are in place today that provide for enhanced safety and property preservation. Just a few of those are substantial steps taken by the fire department towards a full-time fire department and staffing. [41:50] uh comprehensive plan reviews by myself, building inspection staff, our fire chief, and our fire marshal. Uh recently, we've also conducted certificate of occupancy permits. This is going to be a permit that's issued to all tenant changes regardless if a building permit is required. [42:10] And then a continuation of our annual fire inspections. This is my most important slide. I think this is uh kind of a can wave our hand and say, "Hey, we did something really good here." Um, this is our ability to listen to our community. [42:29] Uh, approving ordinance 2025 tag 005 shows our ability to listen, pivot, and respond to the concerns expressed by local and prospective business owners in our community. The repeal of 1306 allows for a more collaborative and flexible approach to fire safety and code administration, providing for economic growth in our community and trust in our modern advances in fire detection, alarm systems, and emergency response. The action promotes investment in our community and local businesses while maintaining safeguards to the public health and safety. [43:10] So the ask tonight, the action requested is the city council to approve ordinance 2025 tag 005. This will repeal chapter 1306 from the Farmington and city code. And with that, I will answer any questions you guys might have. [43:26] >> Thank you, sir. >> Steve, um, good presentation. Thank you. And can you confirm if this will be a forward starting or if there are businesses that are maybe currently going through the process if we'd be able to relax to to this standard for businesses that are currently going through the the review process. [43:50] >> There are no businesses currently going through the review process. It will be forward starting. That being said, I have had two such businesses that have already come to the table and said, "We have gone back to our architects. We have revisited our budget. We've looked at providing additional features to our our design that we maybe wouldn't have been able to before. And now they're revisiting that and we'll be reapplying." >> Okay. Thank you, >> Holly. [44:23] Um, no questions. Actually, just more of a comment. I to me this is a prime example of a lot of work being done in work session. Um, I know that for individuals oftentimes they'll, you know, maybe catch bits or pieces or maybe even an entire council meeting, uh, either in person or often online. [44:42] And, um, it's been brought up before that it feels like, you know, decisions just get made. And while that happens, yes, in a council meeting, there were a a lot of things worked out. There was a lot of robust conversation, there were questions that were asked and all of those things happened in work session. [45:03] And so, I just appreciate that aspect of what we're doing. And it's more of an acknowledgement of when when things like this come before us, I I think it can sometimes seem like, oh, well, we're just doing it on the fly, >> and that's entirely not the case. Um, we looked at this and I don't know, spent I would say a a far more than reasonable amount of time going through the benefits, the drawbacks, whether or not we were being reactive or proactive and came to the conclusion that this was the best next step forward. Um, so I'm just grateful for that and to everybody up here and everybody on staff that brings these opportunities forward for us to revisit and reconsider. Um, and sometimes they make sense and sometimes they don't, but in this case it did. [45:52] >> I guess I I will say thank you for that last, you know, hand w maybe slide part there. I will say I've gotten firsthand commentary that the process has been rigid in the past from some of these things. So, um, it's great to see the flexibility added and, uh, I guess the choice. And then thank you also for clarifying that you aren't removing the requirement to sprinkler and you're not even it's not like you're discouraging some people are still obviously heavily encouraged for their protection of their own property and for their insurance premiums and all the other reasons right so it you know it may look daunting on paper but when you consider all the other factors that are still in play the risk kind of goes away and then you know the one thing that we did talk at work session is that both you and chief price were totally comfortable with it so if the two most [46:37] important people to that decision are sitting there telling me this is a good thing. I'm inclined to believe you guys more than myself on that. So, thank you. >> Thanks. >> Yeah, there's um first thank you to not only you and your team, Deanna, Chief Bryce um for listening and being open for the conversation, right? I mean, historically, we know that there's been impediments to development um for any number of reasons. And to take an to take an issue where years ago the city had a stance that we were going to get to as tight around this code as we could. um if [47:24] there's other things that can be put in place to help mitigate said risk, certificate of occupancy, annual inspections, um having a fire marshal, right? All of those things. Um there's another layer there and I really appreciate having that last slide up there because we do, contrary to popular belief on some things, we we do listen. [47:46] We do a lot of work in work session. We try to vet through what the possibilities are. And to Nick's point, when our building official and our fire chief both say we're comfortable with this, like I'm all always going to be comfortable with that because you are the subject matter experts in your field. Um and by your own admission of of statement there that you've already received, you know, two inquiries um tells us that we may have had an impediment there where we didn't realize it existed. So, thank you to everyone for going through this and um first and foremost safety, right? But if there are ways that we can achieve that through alternative means, then let's not [48:32] continue to put additional financial burdens on our businesses where they don't need to exist. Um, so thank you. Uh, with that, I would seek a motion to approve and pass Ordinance 2025, TA tax 005, repealing the adoption of optional provisions of the Minnesota Building Code, namely chapter 1306, Special Fire Protection Systems, New Buildings, Minnesota Rule 1306.0020 subpart 3. [48:58] >> Motion to approve. >> Second. Motion by Holly. Second by Nick. Call the roll, please. >> Mayor Hoy, >> yes. >> Council member Bernat, >> yes. Council member Lean. >> Yes. >> Council member Wilson. >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you. Round table. Amy, you get to start. [49:15] >> I get to start again. Uh, good evening, Mayor and Council. I only have one thing I wanted to comment on. Um, there was an article in the Sun newspaper um this week that uh included a it was a summary essentially of the comments that I made at the public uh comment se section of your agenda two weeks ago. Um, unrelated to the comments that have that I made here in the meeting, um, there's one statement in the article that I think really does need to be pulled out and corrected for the record. Um, again, not related to any of the comments that I made la last time. It says, "The court approved an injunction to stop any future action regarding to the data center until the lawsuits are resolved." I just want to state make clear for the record that that statement is 100% [50:01] inaccurate. There are no injunctions that have been issued in either of the lawsuits that the city is currently defending. Um I went back today um when I became aware of this article thanks to your community development director um that uh there there are no the in the judge in neither of the cases has issued an order um that prohibits any action regarding to related to the data center. [50:30] Um, I believe I don't know where the confusion came in, but I believe that it could be from uh when the Coalition for Responsible Data Center Development uh filed their initial summons and complaint complaint last November as is standard practice. They included a proposed order for an injunction. Um, it very clearly said in the heading that it was proposed, the word proposed is in brackets. it was a proposed order and the judge never uh approved that, never issued that order. Um and in the other lawsuit uh that was brought by the the Kasrock Township um they too filed a motion for um injunctive relief and in [51:15] June of this year the court actually denied that that motion by the township. So, just for the record to make clear, regardless of what the news the news article says, there are no injunctions um that prevent the city from taking or the parties that you know, the owner or the the owners of the parcels or the um the developer. Uh there's nothing that prohibits the any action from going forward at this point. [51:42] I just want to make that clear for the record. >> Thank you. >> That I have no report. >> Nick, uh I get to steal one from the consent agenda tonight. So, there's a handful of staff approvals and recommendations. I just wanted to say congratulations to our new mechanic, our new firefighters, our new liquor store clerks, our new police officer, and our new well transferred parks maintenance worker. So, congratulations everybody and welcome. [52:07] >> Holly, >> I have nothing tonight. >> All right, Steve. >> I second Holly said I have nothing for the Did I steal everybody's? >> You kind of did. Shirley, >> I actually have something. Um, coming up in just a couple of weeks, myself and other clerks in Dakota County along with Dakota County election staff will have the opportunity to attend several demonstrations for election tabulators um to be purchased for 2026 elections. [52:36] So, the county will take feedback from clerks for that decision. So, more information to come. >> Thank you, David. Council member Lean, you did steal mine. >> Thank you. So I have nothing to say. >> You can also say congratulations. [52:52] Have a monopoly on saying congrats. >> Diana, >> thank you mayor and council. Tonight we had our economic development authority meeting and what we have been doing over the last few months is inviting our partners in to really share their mission and talk about how we align. And tonight we had John Alto um attend and give a really thorough presentation about what the Dakota Regional Dakota I'm going to say it wrong. Dakota County Regional Chamber, the DCR, our DCR does um throughout the region, but also what they do for us. [53:25] And this is a very wonderful partnership we have, and we're um you know, thankful for John's participation. We're thankful for his support um in Farmington, for Farmington, and for our businesses. So, that was a great conversation. That's all I would like to just announce. Thank you. [53:42] >> Thank you, John. >> Thank you, Mayor and Council members. Uh the city of Farmington, Dakota County are in partnership completing a corridor study of um County Road 31 and County Road 74. So uh Ash Street um from Denmark over to Honeysuckle and Denmark from Asht Street up to County Road 50. [54:05] There is an open house tomorrow evening between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. in the atrium here at Farmington City Hall where Dakota County staff, myself, and others will be available to answer questions on study process so far, what options are being considered, uh, what's been completed. So, I'd encourage anyone interested to attend. [54:27] >> Thank you, Kelly. >> Thank you, mayor and city council. Hard to believe, but Wednesday is already our third out of four music in the park uh concert series. So, this Wednesday, 7 p.m. at Ramling River Park, it's Fred the Bear, uh country music, Amarano music, and alternative rock. Hope to see you there. If it does storm or weather's a question, it'll be inside at the Ramling River Center at 700 p.m. Uh Ramling River Center grand reopening and ribbon cutting celebration will be Wednesday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m. Um we hope to see everybody there. um public is invited to attend. We'll be giving uh tours and having uh cake and uh coffee. So, please stop out and attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and see the new renovated space. [55:10] >> Thank you, Kim. >> I have nothing to report tonight. >> Chief, I'll touch base off of what council member Lean was saying. Uh this evening, you approved on the consent agenda the remainder of our paid on call. Uh so next Monday will be the first time that all 11 will be in the same room going through the onboarding process. Uh this is the second largest class that we've had. Uh 2017 we had 12. Uh this time we'll have 11 which is a really good thing to have. Um we did lose one out of the 12 uh individual is going to be leaving town uh moving out of the city. So therefore instead of having 12, we would have tied the highest. Now we're down to 11. So, like I said, next Monday will be the first time they'll all be in the same room together. [55:57] >> Thanks, sir. >> Bob, anything to add? >> I do. >> All right. >> Beautiful. >> Uh, one thing I forgot to add, uh, Chief Seam put a lot of work into procuring this grant and it's a sizable grant and I just wanted to give him credit for work he's done on that. [56:16] >> Thank you, sir. >> I don't have anything to add. Um, I mean the summers are usually full of a lot of events. Uh, before we know it, the county fair is going to be knocking on our door. Um, weather's kind of all over the place. The corn's growing. It just feels like a good oldfashioned Midwestern summer. So, that's always good. Uh, John, thank you very much for attending our EDA meeting. Um, again, thank you for you and your team's continued advocacy, um, not only across the county, but also here in Farmington. [56:50] And, um, I just love every time you show up and your team shows up and, um, you definitely are out there working on behalf of our businesses and our nonprofits and our organizations. And, um, don't ever question as to whether or not your team's work is impactful because it is, and we and we sincerely appreciate it. Thank you. [57:10] With that, I'd seek a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. Motion by Holly, second by Nick. All in favor say I. >> I. I. We'rejourned at 7:56. [Music] Heat. [57:37] [Music] [57:46] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Hey Heat. [58:02] [Music]