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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, July 25, 2022 <br />6:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 3 of 8 <br /> <br />Deputy Chief Gonsior noted the previous vehicle was not equitable to repair and the previous year Orono <br />Police Department was kind enough to lend them a retired squad car which is currently being used. In the <br />Capital Plan it was up the previous year to replace that vehicle, however they could not order due to <br />supply chain issues. He was able to find two 2022 Tahoes in Maryland noting it is very difficult to find <br />vehicles and order right now. <br /> <br />Crosby moved, Johnson seconded, to approve procurement of Fire Command Vehicles from <br />Criswell Fleet Sales for $137,707.18 with vehicle ownership being solely the City Of Orono with <br />conditions. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. <br /> <br />8. PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE FROM THE THC MORATORIUM <br /> <br />Police Chief Farniok stated on July 1 a new law went into place to allow edible THC’s as well as <br />drinkable THC solutions. With the law being passed, cities are struggling with how to accept this into <br />their communities. Questions include whether to create licensing similar to alcohol or tobacco, or to do <br />nothing and allow businesses to operate and sell these edibles and product in the community, zoning <br />requirements, etcetera. The League of Minnesota Cities is encouraging cities to put in a moratorium so <br />they can study what to do with this new law. Before the Council tonight is a moratorium listing the <br />reasons so the City has time to study and look at what they want to do moving forward in allowing these <br />businesses to operate in the communities. <br /> <br />Mayor Walsh asked if the legislature is looking to put more language on the subject. <br /> <br />Chief Farniok noted it is a struggle right now because guidance and enforcement comes back to local <br />control and the Board of Pharmacy. He clarified they do not know how to enforce because they do not <br />know what to enforce. Right now people under age 21 cannot purchase but anyone can possess; therefore <br />a 12 year old could possess THC gummies and it is not against the law or they can have THC-infused <br />seltzers and an open container while driving around because that is not against the law. He noted they are <br />finding there is a lot of information that needs to be tightened up and they are asking legislature to look, <br />tighten up, and clarify as right now the officers are in limbo and do not know what to enforce. <br /> <br />Printup moved, Crosby seconded, to approve interim Ordinance 276, 3rd series, prohibiting the sale, <br />testing, manufacturing, distribution of THC products. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. <br /> <br />COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT <br /> <br />PUBLIC COMMENTS <br /> <br />Brad Erickson, 2485 Independence Road, is present tonight as he is running out of patience and noted he <br />is glad Mr. Printup is here. He stated they are going to have to figure something out here and his attorney <br />is back in town. There is more to this than certain people understand and he said if there is anything he <br />can do to help fill some gaps in logic and reason they would be happy to do that. Mr. Erickson stated this <br />will not go away and this will not happen in this zip code ever again and he wants to make sure the <br />message is sent loud and clear by censuring this man and letting anyone else who wants to come into this <br />town, raise a right hand, and swear an oath to protect people know that is what they should do. What was