Last week the Northfield City Council approved the first reading of an amended ordinance governing the sale of THC and cannabinoid products in the city limits.
In 2022 after the state legalized the use of hemp derived Delta-9 THC but offered little regulation, the City Council put a local licensing program in place and created restrictions on how the consumable cannabinoid products could be sold. With the legalization of recreational cannabis use passed by the legislature this year, the city is now working to bring the local ordinance in line with state law.
One of the major changes to the city ordinance is the ability to consume a cannabinoid product where it is purchased. The stipulation had banned that practice in an effort to keep a person from purchasing a bag of THC infused gummies at a convenience store and eat them at the counter. However, many craft brewers and distillers have begun making THC infused beverages, and that is something the local craft beverage community has expressed interest in. City Administrator Ben Martig said the new ordinance, coming in line with state law, does now allow for that, but there is still some confusion over who exactly is allowed to have the beverages on sale.
“On sale, use and licensing for these products, where you could drink these beverages on site at a licensed facility, [was prohibited in the city ordinance.] The state law did add the ability for that to happen. The state law prohibits alcohol to be mixed with it, though, so it does cause some questions about where these will be allowed as far as where alcohol is sold. And how will businesses manage the restriction of mixing those two? But you wouldn’t be able to have an alcoholic beverage, like a vodka with this stuff added at a bar that would be illegal under the state law. But we did match the language that the state allowed with it.”
In a major change, the state law does now explicitly allow for consumable cannabinoids to be sold in liquor stores, after being explicitly banned in the law passed last year. Martig said the ordinance will allow it, and the staff at the Northfield Municipal Liquor Store has expressed strong interest in selling the products. After the second reading is passed, Martig said, the liquor store will have to apply for a license from the city, just as it does for the sale of tobacco, and go through the process of purchasing a license to sell cannabinoids.
The second reading is expected to be voted on by the council at their next regular meeting on July 11th.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig can be heard here
NAFRS, EMS extending equipment replacement schedule
Vehicle shortages continue to be a problem around the country, and Northfield first response services are among those having to make adjustments.
The Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service has a line item in the budget for a new pumper truck, which is the main fire engine in the NAFRS fleet, but they have found manufacturers to be anywhere from 24-40 months out on delivery. Fire Chief Tom Nelson said not only are lead times a problem, but Assistant Chief Sean SImonson, who heads up the NAFRS Capital Equipment committee is reporting that the cost of emergency vehicles is up a third over what it was just a few years ago.
Nelson said there are several reasons for the situation, and most of them are related to the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. There are still labor shortages and supply chain problems, especially with computer chips that go into vehicles. And he said, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued new requirements for diesel engines that will go into effect in 2026, so anything purchased now will have to be ready to meet the new regulations.
Northfield Emergency Medical Services Chief Brian Edwards said his department is dealing with similar issues. In January of 2022, he said, EMS placed an order for three new ambulances to be delivered over the course of 18 months, with the third one originally scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks. However, he said, they have yet to receive any of the vehicles. The manufacturer in California is so backed up, he said, that members of his department are helping to search for the necessary parts, including the chassis on which the ambulances are built.
Nelson said this has become a fact of life, and so his department, like every other first response agency, is having to make do.
“So, there are a lot of reasons, and now there’s a perfect storm that’s coming in. But you know, we’ve had to extend our replacement schedule. We used to replace every seven years and the pumper that we’re replacing, by the time we get it, it’ll be ten years old. So, you know, you’re really having to make sure to take care of what you have and then also have your spec together and know that ‘OK, in a couple of years we’ll see this.’”
He said they are very close to signing a contract for the new pumper, with delivery scheduled sometime in 2025.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield Fire and Rescue Services Chief Tom Nelson and Northfield Emergency Medical Services Chief Brian Edwards can be heard here
DJJD seeking Ambassador candidates
The Defeat of Jesse James Days committee is currently accepting applications for Ambassador and Junior Ambassadors to participate in its Candidate Experience.
The program runs for approximately 10 weeks, culminating on the last day of the DJJD festival with the coronation of three equal Ambassadors and two Junior Ambassadors. The group of five will be a team throughout the following year, visiting many other communities and meeting hundreds of people through parades, coronations and volunteering at other special events.
A statement released by the organizing committee said the program is a non-competitive environment that helps the candidates’ development of self-confidence and leadership skills, while providing a rewarding social experience. The statement said this should not be thought of as a beauty pageant.
Ambassador candidates must be 16 years of age by July 1 st through age 21, live, work, frequently volunteer or worship in Northfield and have never been married or have children. If selected a $2,500 Scholarship will be awarded at completion of their year.
Junior ambassador candidates must be 6-8 years of age by September 10 th and attend Northfield Schools, live in Northfield School District, or have parents that live, work, frequently volunteer or worship in Northfield. If selected, $250 will be awarded at completion of their year.
More information can be found on the Ambassador pages on the www.djjd.org website. Those with Ambassador questions, should contact Allie Harmer (507) 581-9408. For Junior Ambassador questions, call Mandy Malecha (507) 301-4068.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
