NICOLLET — A public hearing was held prior to the Monday evening regular Nicollet City Council meeting pertaining to cannabis and hemp businesses and the proposed amendment to the city’s zoning regulations.

Mayor Fred Froehlich, and Council Members Matt Anthony, Phil Radel and Mary Wels (Council Member Kevin Ostermann was absent), and City Clerk Vanessa Drill were present. No residents attended the hearing.

The amendment establishes zoning regulations and limitations for cannabis and hemp businesses within the city to an extend authorized under state law. Included in the amendment are minimum distance requirements. The city prohibits the establishment and operation of a cannabis business within the following buffer zones: 1,000 feet from a school, 500 feet from a day care, 500 feet from a residential treatment facility, and 500 feet from a park. Also, temporary cannabis events will require a permit.

“Zoning restrictions are managed by the city; however, the county will handle the administrative work regarding the cannabis and hemp businesses,” Drill said.

The council unanimously approved the ordinance amending zoning regulations and limitations for cannabis/hemp businesses.

Other council approvals were the minutes from the January 13 regular council meeting and the minutes from the special meeting of Feb. 3 regarding Stickney Hill.

A resolution was passed at a special meeting terminating wastewater service and closing, disconnecting, or eliminating wastewater collection system connections for Stickney Hill Ingredients, LLC, 734 6th Street, Nicollet, due to imminent risk of impairment of the functioning of the City’s publicly owned treatment works.

Also approved were the bills for $86,177.51 which included the final payment for the flashing light at the intersection of 6th Street and Highway 111.

“The light makes the intersection so much safer. It was money well spent,” said Wels.

Mayor Froehlich signed the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) note for the H&H Development. Approval of the TIF came at a prior council meeting. H & H Development is redeveloping the former Trinity Lutheran Church’s day care facility into a multi-family unit. He is also building two more multi-family units at the site on 6th Street.

Discussion continued regarding the possible purchase of a leaf vacuum which was considered at the last council meeting. A variety of concerns were raised. Would there be a need to build a special building to store it? Would branches or rocks, in the leaves cause damage to the vacuum?

“I have seen cities who have had it and got rid of it,” Radel said.

“I am torn as I would love to have that service, but it seems unnecessary for the time it is used and the cost of maintenance.,” Wels said.

“I’m concerned that if people miss the date, and then rake their leaves on the street the next day, it could cause problems,” said Froehlich.

No decision was made. The council agreed to table the discussion until next month’s meeting.

The next regular council meeting will be Monday, March 10, at 6 p.m.