Gator Lake, THC dominate discussion

Two topics of conversation dominated the August 3 regular meeting of the Waseca City Council: the project underway in the Gator Lake area and a new state law regarding the use of THC in foods and beverages. 

Gator Lake/Public Comment

Through 40 minutes of public comment and Gator Lake discussion, residents of the Gator Lake neighborhood voiced their concerns about the development’s plan and progress. Members talked about preserving the historic landscape, including a green space or park of various natures, being able to see the plan and not having been included in planning discussions or provided options of plans to choose from. Jerry Dobberstein, a member of the Gator Lake neighborhood, had drawn up his own housing and layout plans which he brought to the meeting, showing the council that they could still fit the 68 planned houses in the designated area while leaving plenty of green space or leaving sections of the land unaltered. 

Michelle Oswald, a member of the park board and someone who lives in the Gator Lake area, voiced disappointment about the process, stating she believes interested parties were not notified as various steps were reached, even though the council had claimed area residents would be able to take part in the planning,. Oswald went on to say that the Gator Lake community is unique in that the city owns it, the DNR has placed certain restrictions on it, and there is much impermeable surface there for a possible park. 

Mayor Roy Srp responded that he believed there had been transparency, especially in the early phases of the planning, and that the council had indeed been listening. Srp emphasized that the current plan is not permanent, that nothing is carved in stone and that the council has final say in the current process. “This development is going to be done right,” Srp said in response to many citizens’ thoughts that “If it’s going to be done, let’s do it right.” 

THC Infused Edibles

and Beverages

In response to recent state legislation authorizing the sale of food items and beverages infused with up to 3% THC, the city council discussed various options including adopting a licensing regulation or possibilities of disallowing sales of such products within city limits. City Manager Lee Mattson explained the background of the issue and why it was being brought to the council, saying that neither he, the city attorney nor the chief of police have any recommended course of action, but would assist the city council as it reached its decision and guide city staff in enforcing it. The sale of edibles infused with 3% THC has been allowed since 2018 in Waseca, but the new legislation and state statute has left the door open concerning the sourcing of THC. 

While Council Member Jeremy Conrath suggested a public hearing, council members John Mansfield and Mark Christiansen had a slight clash of opinions on the matter. Mansfield is totally opposed to having THC sold within city limits, stating that as a father of six he doesn’t want children exposed to others using a mind and mood altering drug. He stated that he believes using chemicals of that type will always have negative effects on the community. 

Christiansen voiced concerns about the businesses in Waseca if it was prohibited. He said that potential customers will just go out of town and Waseca will lose the sale, as there are some businesses in Waseca that will be directly affected by the council’s decision. 

Discussion was raised regarding a temporary moratorium on sales, since outright banning of the substance would need a legal framework and rationale, given that state law currently permits the sales. 

A motion by Council member Rose to direct staff to look into the moratorium was seconded by Mansfield and approved by all on the council except Christiansen. 

Reports

City Manager Mattson brought a couple of ideas to the council including whether or not the city wishes to retain crossing guards during the 2022-2023 school year. As the council reminisced about their own times as crossing guards during their school years, it was motioned to keep the crossing guards but direct staff to reduce them as they see fit, as it is a budget concern. 

The budgeting session for the city council is rescheduled to August 15 at 6:30 p.m. as they will be bringing in Southwest Partnership for a discussion on Gator Lake and its general layout during the original meeting time. 

Mattson reminds the community that applications are still open for the five open seats on the council and that interviews will begin after Labor Day. 

Clear Lake Park bathrooms are closed for the rest of the year and University Park bathrooms will only be open and available during rentals.

Christiansen mentioned that electric or motorized bikes are allowed on trails, but not exceeding 20 mph. 

Christiansen also mentioned that the downtown walkway is coming back with the 2030 vision. There will be a short meeting at 7:30 a.m., September 13 to discuss the walkway’s future status. Public input is welcomed. 

Announcements

August 8 was the grand opening for Clear Lake Park, but citizens are advised to stay off the dirt because it is being seeded. 

August 13 is a t-shirt tie-dye fundraiser for the dog park for new amenities which are a work in progress. 

After almost two hours, the city council meeting was adjourned.