EAST GRAND FORKS – The East Grand Forks City Council has approved amendments to its cannabis ordinances during a meeting on Tuesday. These amendments align local regulations with recent changes in Minnesota state law enacted earlier this year.
One of the key updates allows the city to issue local registrations for cannabis businesses upon receiving preliminary license approval from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), rather than waiting for full licensing as previously required. This change aims to streamline the process for potential cannabis retailers looking to enter the East Grand Forks market.
The city has set a cap of two retail cannabis businesses: one located in the downtown commercial district and another in the highway commercial district. Under state law, East Grand Forks must permit at least one cannabis retailer. Council member Donald Casmey questioned the city attorney, Ron Galstad, about the city’s ability to further restrict the number of businesses, especially since the state is no longer allocating cannabis sales tax revenue to local governments.
Galstad responded that while the city must allow at least one retailer, if there are enough cannabis establishments in Polk County to meet the state’s requirement of one per 12,500 residents, East Grand Forks could opt not to allow additional retailers. With a population of around 31,000, the county needs to accommodate at least three cannabis retail locations. If other cities in the county fulfill this requirement, East Grand Forks would not be obligated to issue any registrations.
This meeting marked the first reading of the revised ordinance, with further consideration scheduled for the council’s next meeting in July.
Additionally, the council addressed several other matters: – New ordinances were passed regarding illegal camping on public property and conduct in city parks. The camping ordinance mirrors one implemented in Grand Forks in May, giving local law enforcement tools to manage undesirable activities. The park ordinance establishes hours for park usage from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and clarifies rules regarding vehicle access. – The council agreed to enter into funding agreements with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for public transit services, including fixed routes and paratransit for 2026. According to Nancy Ellis, the Director of Community Development, ridership for Cities Area Transit has returned to pre-pandemic levels. – A closed meeting was held to discuss allegations from parents regarding insufficient measures against bullying in the Parks and Recreation Department’s programs. Residents raised these concerns during a council session on June 3. – The council approved an increase in resident trash rates, marking the first adjustments in over a decade. Increases will take effect in July, January 2026, and July 2026 to better align rates with operational costs, as the current low rates have drained refuse funds. – City offices will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, resuming regular business on June 20. A celebration of the holiday is planned for June 19 at University Park in Grand Forks.
The council’s actions reflect ongoing adjustments to local governance in response to evolving regulations and community needs.
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