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The applicants for a cannabinoid business license for the Old Jail Bed & Breakfast, withdrew their request at the Taylors Falls City Council meeting Monday night this week,  saying the non-intoxicating low dose products are being treated unrealistically and the whole process feels like “over-reach”  by town officials.

Larry and Taylor Long explained there has been some negative feedback as word of their new business plan got around, with Taylor describing the city as very opinionated.   

In the context of questioning their decision to apply and also not wanting to create bad feelings, the Longs withdrew the cannabis-based sales plan.  

Larry suggested the city may want to rethink its approach to a low dose product licensing system considering there is nothing mood altering about the products.  Taylor said limiting licensure to just two locations does not make sense. 

Staff had advised them the license permission can still be awarded by council as the planning commission review process is done and the application is processed and permission is good for a year.  Zoning Administrator Elizabeth Haas said acquiring the permission doesn't hurt anything should they opt at the end of the year to not put the business into action. 

Council member Tim Grote expressed regret that the city lumped topical cannabinoid products into the low dose licensure system and remarked how doing this took up the two slots for licenses that were created. Taylors Falls has The Bridge and With August, two retail establishments on Bench Street (main street) that separately sell ingestible and topical cannabinoid wellness items.

Mayor Weiberg agreed the council should review the low dose and cannabinoid ordinances just put into effect.

Another ordinance needing a second look is the one addressing short term rentals, which now number about a dozen sites in Taylors Falls. 

The council approved two more sites Monday night, and then adopted a halt, freezing short term rental applications. Mayor Weiberg stressed the planning commission needs to rank this issue as a priority and bring some recommendations by spring. The moratorium was enacted unanimously.  

The newly approved short term rental locations are at the Couillard House, across from The Drive In, which Cory Couillard told council the family wants to retain in its ownership.  

The upper level of Chisago House downtown, with four one bedroom apartments, was approved to be used for short term rentals, as well. 

Actual open dates are pending as both sites are being made ready.

The Chisago House also could hold a restaurant on the street level with a small meat shop/deli and space for a retreat, and/or bike rentals and tourism retail. 

Council member Larry Julik Heine commented,  “It’s nice to see something happening there.” 

The job of city clerk and treasurer has been split into two and council approved hirings. Michelle Hansen becomes city treasurer at $29 per hour with a raise upon completing a municipal certification.  She has been working already through a temp agency.  Sherrie Thomasen becomes the clerk, at $27 an hour.  She too has training goals to meet for pay hikes.  

Mary Tomnitz, who stepped in after an abrupt loss of previous staff, is leaving. Council set up a severance agreement finalization meeting for November 28. 

Council member Grote noted Tomnitz went the extra mile on delinquent utility bills, giving “kudos” to her. He said she collected about $20,000 owed.  The remaining unpaid sewer and water claims were certified to go on county property tax rolls.

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