pc-minutes-jul-25-22
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with in‐person and remote options for attending,
participating, and commenting. The City used Webex to conduct this meeting and members of the
public were able to monitor the meetings by watching it on Comcast cable channel 16, by streaming it
on CCXmedia.org, or by dialing in to the public call‐in line.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair Pockl.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: E. Brenna, S. Ginis, L. Pockl, M. Ruby
Commissioner absent: A. Brookins, A. Johnson, C. Segelbaum
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner,
Max Gort – Planning Intern
Council Liaison present: Denise La Mere‐Anderson
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of Agenda
Chair Pockl. asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Ruby, seconded by Commissioner Ginis, to approve the agenda of
July 25, 2022.
Motion carried.
4. Informal Public Hearing – Zoning Text Amendments for THC Product Sales
Applicant: The City of Golden Valley
Myles Campbell, Planner, started by reviewing the law recently passed by the MN Legislature
regulating the sale of food and beverage products containing hemp‐derived cannabinoids, including
tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC). Staff reviewed the history of the law starting in 2018 and reviewed
the statement from the League of MN Cities regarding products containing nonintoxicating
cannabinoids.
Staff reviewed the Golden Valley City Council discussion; the Council adopted the first consideration
of a licensing ordinance. Council also directed planning staff to add consideration of a zoning
ordinance to the next (August 2022) Planning Commission agenda.
City Council would like to largely use the tobacco ordinances as a solution to the THC sales question.
While licensing may require more revision, translating the zoning restrictions from tobacco to THC
are straightforward and get at the principal concern of the City Council which is to provide a buffer
between these uses and schools.
July 25, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Hybrid
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 25, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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Recommendation
Staff recommends revising three zoning codes:
Sec. 113‐1. Definitions
o Add a definition of THC Product Retailers
Sec. 113‐87. Summary Use Tables
o Add THC Product Retailers as a restricted use to the Commercial zoning district
Sec. 113‐92. Commercial Zoning District
o Add a 500‐foot buffer from youth facilities as well as language around multi‐use
buildings to a THC product restriction
Action Request
Recommend approval of draft language for a zoning text amendment regarding the sale of products
containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Commissioner Ruby asked about definitions and how “meets the requirement” is defined (testing,
legal enforcement). Staff said compliance checks will occur as part of licensing and the language
specifically refers to the state statute definition. The discussion moved on to labeling and
requirements by the state pharmacy board.
Maria Cisneros, City Attorney, spoke to the group to review the process thus far as well as discuss
licensing and regulation. The conversation went on to review potential licensing processes, labeling
requirements, and ordinances. Cisneros added that the group may see this topic presented again
within the year as the law and landscape evolves.
The discussion moved on to logistics of the distance requirements, current businesses being
impacted by new regulations,
Chair Pockl opened the public hearing at 6:54pm.
No in person comments.
No remote comments.
Chair Pockl closed the public hearing at 6:56pm.
Chair Pockl opened Commission discussion.
Commissioner Ginis stated the plan to follow the tobacco process makes sense, adding there will be
opportunities for amendments as the City learns more, as State legislature changes, and as Federal
regulation changes. Commissioner Ruby agreed and added he’d like to see the licensing details as
they coincide with these regulations for full impact understanding.
Commissioner Ruby added that he’s not familiar with tobacco regulations/licensing and asked for an
update. Maria Cisneros, City Attorney, gave an overview of this process for THC and tobacco. The
tobacco license limit was reviewed and how/if licenses can transfer if a store is sold.
Commissioner Brenna asked about tobacco retail buffers and the response, she was not a
commissioner at the time and asked for background for comparison. Staff responded the process
took a while as there was a lot a headway prior to zoning needs. The buffers provided limitations but
were not overly restrictive and there’s no appeal process to have an additional use in that area.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 25, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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MOTION by Chair Pockl seconded by Commissioner Ginis to recommend approval of the draft
language for a zoning text amendment regarding the sale of products containing
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as stated in the memo.
5.Discussion – ADUs ‐ Survey Discussion
Myles Campbell, Planner, reminded members about the ADU discussion and a survey that was
presented on the City website through May and June of 2022.
Of 307 participants, 302 completed the demographics questions at the end of the survey, which
meant a very high rate of completion. Responses were spread through all four quadrants of Golden
Valley and 6 folks stated they did not live in the City.
Staff reviewed the survey in its entirety, discussed statistics for each grouping of responses, and
reviewed survey process takeaways.
(There were AV issues during the meeting so staff lost the presenter who was attending remotely)
Commissioner Ruby noted a lot of negativity towards ADUs and also a lot of confusion as apparent in
the survey. He followed up with how the City will engage that confusion. Staff noted this survey
wasn’t set up to address concerns but as a first step to address them in the future. Rules can be
drafted through the process of creating the zoning code for ADUs. Commissioner Brenna asked
about waste removal for ADUs. Staff stated that hasn’t been discussed but will be when they review
sewer systems. Chair Pockl added how appreciative she was for the survey and to see the range of
reviews. The conversation continued around the response rate, age of respondents, acceptance of
change, economic and practical reasons for ADU’s, and the shortage of affordable housing.
6.Council Liaison Report
Council Member La Mere‐Anderson thanked Planning Commission for in depth THC conversation;
nothing the zoning and licensing approach.
City Council is working on rezoning, land use changes –a lot of community feedback, St. Margaret Mary
especially. Most comments are related to traffic, neighborhood feel, and potential loss of green space.
7.Other Business
Tuesday is National Night Out.
Members discussed community gardens and Commissioner Ginis mentioned the need for additional
outreach to help folks connect the removal of tennis courts equals construction of community gardens.
8.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Brenna to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Ruby and approved
unanimously by roll call vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm.
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Andy Johnson, Secretary
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant