The Palmer Twp. Board held its monthly meeting Monday night, with an update on Sherburne County’s ordinances on the agenda.

The county’s Planning and Zoning Administrator, Lynn Waytashek, along with June Volkers from the solid waste division and Sarah Mielke, Planner, were all in attendance to present on a variety of topics.

The State of MN this past spring passed a law legalizing recreational marijuana, which left many local units of government scrambling to react to the legislation.

After passing a moratorium on cannabis sales earlier in the year, the county is now preparing to meet the statutory deadline for a new cannabis ordinance by January 1, 2025.

Waytashek explained a great deal about the issue, from retail to wholesale businesses, and the different proposed conditional and interim permitted uses.  She was seeking feedback from residents and the supervisors, while also explaining the different types of cannabis associated businesses that might wish to locate in the county.  In addition, there were other things to consider, such as cannabis events (like a beer dabbler but for weed), edibles, and the registration, enforcement and permitting options that would go with the different options.

State law requires a county to allow one business per 12,5000 residents, but there is also the fact that cities can license their own businesses.

The entire state process was described as chaotic, as it left local governments little time to put it all together, and required the county to pause action on other ordinances such as the short term rentals and accessory dwelling structure proposals.

Concerns that could pop up included high water usage for the cannabis businesses, groundwater pollution, odor, ventilation, and high energy use (one growing operation could use as much energy as six big box stores).

Supervisors will be providing Waytashek with feedback in the next few weeks.

Next, the county touched on some other topics, including a presentation by Volkers explaining the focus of her work, which includes solid waste enforcement, including for failing septic systems, as well as her efforts working to reduce food waste.

In other action, the board:

• Heard from Commander Ben Zawacki about last month’s 109 calls for service from the SCSO, including four thefts;

• Heard a Palmer Day update from Chair Mike Ganz, who noted strong attendance with many vendors selling out of their food offerings;

• Listened to Supervisor Steve Demeules who provided an update on the Two Inlets park and the security system in place there, as well as the future plans for funding and development of the park;

• Heard from CLFD Chief Ron Koren, who detailed 20 calls for service last month, including 10 in Palmer Twp.;

• Deferred action on a golf cart ordinance until more research is done.