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The use of cannabis products in public spaces in Lindstrom was banned last week, by a unanimous vote of the city council (Council member Krueger attending via Internet.)  The parks ordinance Chapter 130 is now amended to include cannabis of all shapes and forms.  Signage will be posted in obvious locations.  The violation is a petty misdemeanor and subject to a fine but does not carry jail time.

City Attorney Soren Mattick said council is “not obligated” to do this, but the legislature left this aspect of the newly legalized recreational use of marijuana up to the cities.

On the topic of public spaces; the highway trail between the channel and County Road 14, in front of the Lindstrom Clinic is being replaced.  Council approved $27,850 which was a quote from Bluhm to address hazardous   uneven surface and below-grade problems.

Council had a good discussion on priority of this versus street work and other infrastructure needs.  Staff reminded council members there are separate accounts for trails, sidewalks and vehicular routes and this  is a trail fund expense.  Mayor Judy Chartrand said she’d like to see full reconstruction street projects coming forward too;  adding potholes are worsening and Lindstrom has a lot of catching up to do on repairs and maintenance.

It was voted to accept a revision to a Conditional Use Permit for the storage units near the Xcel substation east of #14.  The north and east sides of the parcel are incomplete as far as plantings.

Owner Nic Kirvida developed a landscape design that council said is okay to proceed on, after he works with  neighbors and obtains their input.  He is authorized to proceed once city staff checks and signs off on the plan’s final tree count and cover land stock.  Kirvida noted it’s a balancing act to install the right amount of plant material to buffer residents’ views of the storage buildings and lighting, and still have open areas allowing law enforcement to observe any nuisance activity.

Upper Farm Ridge, off Olinda Trail,  got its final plat okay and the development agreement was approved.  

Applicant Dave Overgaard wants to create three new lakeshore lots behind where a farmhouse now sits, and an outlot. Family members reportedly have plans for the new homesites.

As discussed in depth at a work session (Press story Aug 17) council authorized a project to move forward on Akerson Street, for the cost of $37,000 which includes the credit offered from the fire hall contractor to resolve a dispute on other punch list items on the project.

This is coming out of bond proceeds sold to finance the fire hall,  so no fire relief association funds are being drawn down unexpectedly.

Council member Brian Norelius had expressed concerns about losing leverage against the fire hall contractor Rochon,  for other items. Last week, however, he said he’s been assured the city is protected.  Testing that Norelius requested of the concrete work on-site is being scheduled, City Administrator Dan Undem stated.

City Attorney Mattick added this “...is the best course for the city at this time.”

Norelius said as long as Lindstrom is “going to end up with the product we paid for” he is satisfied.

Be advised video and production geeks out there; if you are looking for a great community building job,  watch for ads for the Chisago Lakes Cable T.V. Coordinator Position.  The cable commission is writing a job description now for filling Jack Doepke’s slot.  He retires at year end.

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