City council approves three CUPs for cannabis retail stores

The Worthington City Council on Monday approved three separate conditional use permits for cannabis dispensaries, bringing the number of CUPs granted to such businesses in the city to four.

The first CUP to be approved Monday was for a cannabis retail store that will be located at 1015 Third Ave., inside the Hotel Thompson building. The plan is to combine three existing spaces (1011, 1013 and 1015 Third Ave.) into one larger retail space. 

The location inside the Thompson building — the site of multiple apartments — was of concern to both councilmen Mike Kuhle and Chris Kielblock. Before discussion of the CUP for the Third Avenue location had even begun, Kuhle had indicated that he was "very, very uncomfortable" with the number of cannabis businesses coming into the community. In response, councilman Dennis Weber said he believed a free market would mediate the problem of too many of these businesses, and Mayor Rick von Holdt compared limiting the number of the CUPs for cannabis stores to regulating who could and couldn't sell alcohol.

The CUP for the Third Avenue cannabis store passed 3-2, with both Kuhle and Kielblock opposed. An additional condition suggested by Kuhle was added that will necessitate the installation of a camera on the building's exterior.

The two other CUPs up for council approval Monday night were each supported unanimously. A cannabis store to be located at 341 Oxford St. was approved following a discussion that resulted in the decision to pave the driveway entrance. The third CUP is for a cannabis store that would be located at 1151 Ryan's Road, in the former Anytime Fitness location.

Back in July, council members approved the first CUP for a cannabis store in the community. That business is set to go in the current Jimmy John's location at 1300 Humiston Ave.

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In a separate matter Monday, the council authorized the advertisement of Requests of Qualifications to engage the services of a Construction Manager at Risk for complete renovation of the existing ice arena and the addition of a second full-sized enclosed ice facility to be attached to the existing arena. 

Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson called the action the "last best shot at coming up with a solution to an ice arena," adding that this is merely an initial step and the city is not bound to anything further down the line.

Robinson explained that both ice sheets shall be NHL Rink dimensions (200-feet by 85-feet). One sheet shall be constructed or renovated to allow for year around ice, and the second sheet will be for seasonal ice and use as a turfed recreation surface during non-ice months.

A Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method of project delivery would manage the construction process, including but not limited to responsibility for the price, schedule and workmanship of the construction performed according to state statute. The contract for the CMAR shall include a guaranteed maximum price, construction schedule, and workmanship of the construction performed. The CMAR is responsible for preparation of all required architectural and engineering construction and bid documents and soliciting competitive bids.

The city council and staff would establish a selection committee composed of a minimum of three persons tasked with reviewing the submissions and identifying the preferred entity to perform CMAR. Once selected, the city would enter into negotiations with the CMAR to finalize the scope of the project and the guaranteed maximum price.

The project is contingent on approval by the Nobles County Fair Board and securing sources of funding.