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The Wild River Cannabis LLC retail operation saw North Branch council approve its local registration, which then allows the business to go for state inspections and licensing Registration was approved last week 4-1. 

Council member Robert Canada was opposed saying he feels the council needs to “look out for residents” and not accept this in light of statements made in opposition that council has received.  

North Branch was advised by legal counsel it can only apply existing ordinance provisions in acting on this application,  but the city can re-visit cannabis rules later.  However the application is compliant with city code as it is written now, and Mayor Kevin Schieber noted denial of registration would open the city up to litigation.

Council had. tabled the registration request in its first review October 14, citing additional information was needed.  

One of the issues was the traffic count and vehicular trips a cannabis store could be expected to generate considering the problem intersection that connects the county road to the retail access.  The city engineering firm advised council a 2,000 square foot cannabis store can be predicted to attract 51 trips weekdays and 64 Saturday during peak hours.  The memo concluded this traffic count is far below what might warrant a traffic study.

Council member Canada noted the letter of concern from Provide Care, a facility close to the cannabis store location, stating the care facility opposition to the proximity of a business like this to its clients.  Canada said he was unaware when the city was drafting its retail cannabis ordinances that this could be included in the buffer or distance requirements. 

Mayor Schieber agreed he’d like to take another look at the wording of the code the council had enacted earlier, but reiterated a pending application had to be considered under current language. 

A workshop on possible revisions to the code, was set for November 18.

Another earlier action pending revision is for council to look at an increase in the city franchise fee.  

Energy providers in North Branch collect a fee based on power use in regular billing and distribute revenues back to the city. Staff was directed to analyze future revenue and report back on options,  and in his update City Administrator Matthew Hill said there ought to be a resolution drafted soon for action.

A round-about is also coming, to the Hemingway and County Road 14 intersection.

North Branch and the county are cooperating on this project 50-50 and a memo of understanding was adopted whereby the county can proceed facilitating the project.

Mayor Schieber noted city officials are doing what they can to help address road safety and  the round-about is one measure that will help to resolve some issues.

Massage business revoked

In a unanimous vote council revoked the license for a massage business in town, which was found to be in violation of conditions of its license.  “New Comfort” massage therapy was told to close its doors immediately.

The police and city administrator received complaints alleging the business did not meet conditions of covering genitals while a massage was being performed, that “extra” services were offered to a customer,  and that one therapist on site was not licensed as required.  A business representative reportedly asked for a license form and was going to have it completed and placed on file but did not follow-through, council was told.

Police Chief Dan Meyer said some investigative details are being kept confidential as part of consideration of criminal charges,  so he couldn’t go into great detail.  Council however agreed with the mayor who commented, “This is pretty straight forward,” and revocation was approved 5-0.

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