By Allie Paulzine The Slayton City Council gathered for their regular meeting, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were present, and the council approved the agenda and the minutes from the August 5 meeting without changes. Claims were reviewed and approved. Council members shared updates on ongoing city projects, including local infrastructure improvements, community events, and utility services. Excel Energy announced a planned power outage Thursday night, expected to last about four hours, to improve transmission line reliability in partnership with Great River Energy. Residents will be notified through CodeRED, Facebook, and the city website. The council also noted a tour of the newly expanded Nobles Cooperative Electric facility, highlighting its modern features and expected benefits for the community.
Discussion of a cannabis ordinance workshop was postponed to ensure full council attendance, with a tentative date in mid-September suggested.
The council approved applications for the Backyard Bar and Grill’s on-sale, off-sale, and Sunday licenses, contingent upon verification of background checks and utility payments.
The Slayton Public Library reported another strong summer. From June 1 to August 15, 2,447 visitors came through the doors and nearly 5,000 items were checked out. Minnesota State Park passes were introduced, and 14 toddlers participated in the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program. The library hosted 33 programs attended by 563 participants. Sixty-three children joined the “Reading Dragons” challenge, with 22 completing 327 hours of reading. Prize winners were Maggie Keller, Atticus Punt, and Emerson Magnus. The council congratulated the winners and thanked the library staff for their hard work.
The council discussed adding a dehumidifier to the fire hall, considering both portable and larger stationary units. While portable units are easier to move and plug in, the stationary option offers greater efficiency and long-term value. The council approved the stationary unit, with placement and drainage details to be determined onsite, funded through the 2026 budget or existing fire equipment funds.
The council reviewed the draft cannabis ordinance, which aligns with state law and other municipal codes. Retail cannabis businesses will be allowed in Highway Business, Central Business, and General Industrial districts, but not in residential areas. Buffers were established—1,000 feet from schools and 500 feet from daycares, parks used by minors, other cannabis businesses, and churches. Hours will follow liquor laws: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 or 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Smoking on the premises is prohibited. Nonconforming businesses may continue if new restricted facilities enter the buffer zone.
Lower-potency hemp edibles must be sold behind a counter inside the building and meet the same zoning and utility requirements as other cannabis businesses. Temporary cannabis events are allowed in permitted districts, licensed through OCM, and must follow zoning and utility rules. On-site consumption is prohibited. All businesses must connect to public water, sewer, and stormwater systems. Civil penalties for violations can reach $2,000.
The city generally limits retail cannabis businesses to one per 12,500 residents. If the county already has a business at that ratio, the city may allow additional businesses, giving flexibility to approve or deny applications depending on circumstances while remaining compliant with state law. When the city receives a state license application from OCM, it must certify within 30 days whether the proposed business meets local building, fire, and code requirements. Initial registration fees are capped at $500, including the first annual renewal. Subsequent annual renewals may not exceed $1,000, and combined medical/ adult-use businesses pay only one fee.
Applicants submit a cityprovided form with all necessary information. The “may” language allows the city discretion if multiple businesses exist or local requirements are not met, while still relying on OCM approvals. Applications are reviewed by the city clerk for completeness before moving to council for final approval, similar to liquor licenses.
The ordinance allows the city to suspend a business if it violates rules or poses a health or safety threat. Suspensions are communicated to the business and OCM, and registrations can be reinstated once issues are resolved. Appeals were clarified: “A denied application for a cannabis or lower-potency hemp edible retail business registration may be appealed in accordance with the city’s zoning ordinance.”
Council members spent considerable time discussing the number of allowed retail cannabis businesses. Opinions varied between flexibility (“may or may not”) and a more restrictive approach (“shall not”). After a thorough discussion, the council leaned toward the restrictive approach for now, limiting the city to one retail business per 12,500 residents while leaving room for review of additional applications in the future. Members noted that state vetting through OCM—including background checks, insurance, and licensing—ensures applicants are pre-screened. Retail licenses are distinct from wholesale or manufacturing licenses, which are not subject to this limit.
The meeting concluded with procedural items, including confirmation that the ordinance does not need to be finalized before a public hearing. The council emphasized that community input will be considered, and the ordinance may be adjusted based on feedback. A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on September 15. Council members confirmed that clerk procedures, inspections, and compliance checks are in place, ensuring businesses meet local requirements before receiving approval. With discussions wrapped up, members expressed confidence that the ordinance provides a balanced, flexible framework for managing cannabis retail businesses, protecting the community while allowing the city to adapt as needed. The meeting adjourned with all members present, setting the stage for the upcoming public hearing and continued deliberation.
