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<br /> <br />City Council Minutes <br />December 1, 2025 <br />--------- <br />Page 4 of 6 <br /> The Councilmembers provided updates as outlined in the respective advisory board's minutes. <br /> <br />10. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING <br /> Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Calva to adjourn the <br />meeting of City Council. Motion carried 5-0. <br /> <br />The regular meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. Mayor Dietz called the work session to order at 7:43 p.m. <br /> <br />11. WORK SESSION <br /> The Council invited Ken Beaudry to express his concerns. <br /> <br />Ken Beaudry 12696 226th Ct NW, shared that he is morally against the City being involved in the <br />sale of marijuana products. <br /> <br /> 11.1 Cannabound Business Plan <br /> Mr. Stremcha provided an overview of the initial state laws regarding cannabis licensing. The Council <br />had questions about municipal ownership and private ownership of cannabis stores. Mr. Stremcha was <br />able to clarify the Council's questions regarding the amount and types of licensing the city would be <br />allowed. He reiterated that the sale of cannabis can occur whether it's private or municipal. He went on <br />to share that with a municipal cannabis store, there can be high safety standards, strict identification for <br />age requirement compliance, refusal of sale to intoxicated people, etc. <br /> <br />The Council acknowledged the work that has been put into planning and designing the cannabis store <br />and is appreciative. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grupa shared that he is not comfortable with a city-owned cannabis store. <br /> <br />Councilmember Calva stated that he feels it's not about the money the city could potentially make, but <br />it's about the soul of the city. The city should not have its hands on it, and constituents do not want a <br />municipal cannabis store. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wagner noted she would like more education on the terms THC, CBD, Marijuana, <br />cannabis, plant, and flower, etc. She would like education on the differences in types, chemicals, and <br />uses. Is a joint the same as cannabis? Is a gummy the same? Are there different types? How are they <br />used? She stated that more education and knowledge would be beneficial in making an informed <br />decision. She continued until there is more education and data, she is against a municipal cannabis <br />store. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated he has never been for it 100% but didn't make it a personal decision. He <br />explained that after talking with residents via phone calls, texts, and emails, he wants to represent the <br />residents and step back from the municipal cannabis store and the liquor store. <br /> <br />Mayor Dietz praised the staff, stating his excitement at first was based on thoughts of revenue. He <br />stated he feels Elk River residents do not want a municipal cannabis store and believes this process will <br />take years to sort out at the state level, and does not want to be a part of it. <br /> <br />The Council directed staff to schedule a tour of the current Northbound Liquor Store.