Enforcement to cover cannabis, low-potency hemp edibles

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The City of Henning has handed off regulating cannabis sales within the city limits to Otter Tail County officials.

During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the Henning City Council approved a resolution to allow Otter Tail County to be in charge of licensing and regulating of retail sale of cannabis low-potency hemp edibles. 

The move became necessary after the state approved the sale of cannabis and edibles effective August, 1, 2023. 

City clerk/treasurer Jenna Kovarik said Henning could have been in charge of the sale of cannabis and edibles, but also had the option to defer to the county level where they have more resources to regulate the new state law. She said many cities in the county are taking a similar approach and emulates what is being done with tobacco sale enforcement in which the city has also deferred to the county for regulation and enforcement.

“We haven’t talked about this in a while, but my personal feelings is defer to the county on that and not muddy the waters,” said Henning Mayor Jesse Hermanson.

In other news

• Approved the appointment of Jeremiah Sapp to the Henning Fire Department. 

• Accepted the purchase of a new side-by-side for the Henning Fire Department. The side-by-side was purchased by the Henning Fire Relief Association.

• Approved a variance for Douglas Hirschey to connect his house to a garage. The new garage and construction will be one foot from the property line and his current garage was constructed on the property line. The property is located on Douglas Ave. near downtown Henning. 

• Approved a resolution to authorize the issuance and sale of $2,287,909 general obligation revenue note for the city’s portion of the water plant reconstruction project. The bond is at one percent will be paid off over 30 years, but can be paid off early if the city desires.

• Heard from Beth Rose concerning a change in policy two years ago regarding how past due utility bills are reported to landlords. She said landlords are responsible for paying for unpaid utility bills, but are not notified by the city if a renter is not paying their utility bill unless the renter signs a waiver. City council members said they would explore options for collecting unpaid bills from tenants.

• Heard from Brittany Springer who expressed an interest in purchasing an approximate 30×50’ city-owned lot in-between the Farmstead and the former city hall. Springer’s proposal was to purchase the lot for about $1 per foot, or $1,500 total, and split the closing costs with the city. The lot would be set aside for a potential expansion or addition to the Farmstead. The city council said it will take the proposal under consideration.

• Approved a 13 month contract for Lakes Country Coop for $11,000 for IT services for equipment and assisting the city with updates for the city’s website. The cost would be lower than the city is currently paying for IT services. 

• Approved a plan from utility supervisor Ted Strand to widen a portion of the road in the industrial park near Brogard’s Plumbing and Heating. He said semi trucks and heavy equipment are rubbing up against the fire hydrant on the corner in the industrial park. He received a quote from Performance Paving and Sealcoating for $12,000 to expand the road near the corner to allow the heavy equipment to make a wider turn without hitting the fire hydrant.

• Heard from Henning Police Chief Mike Helle who said that the local police department, Otter Tail County SWAT and other emergency personnel will complete a series of trainings at the former nursing home in Henning on April 30. 

• Approved setting the camping fee of $30 per night and $175 per week for a new campground that is being planned for the Henning Festival Grounds. The cost for camping is similar to other communities in the area that have a city-owned campground, like the City of Bertha.

• Heard the cost for a new wage study for city staff would be $7,500. The city completed a wage study just a few years ago and the city council gave the indication it would not be interested in spending that much money for a wage study at this time.