By Tim Douglass

tdouglass@pctribune.com

Pope County Commissioners unanimously approved a new ordinance regulating Cannabis businesses and events in Pope County.

The action was taken after a public hearing on the matter at last Tuesday’s regular county commissioners board meeting.  There were no comments from the public.  The board also amended the land-use controls ordinance on Cannabis within the county.

The ordinance came together after many discussions by the board during work sessions throughout the fall and is intended to provide the state-required framework for regulation of Cannabis activities in the county effective on Jan. 1, 2025, when a moratorium on such activities expires in Pope County.  

“Although we do not immediately expect registrants, this will assure the framework is in place…, stated Pope County Administrator Kersten Kappmeyer.    In a separate motion, the board approved the Land Use Controls Ordinance that regulates the location of Cannabis businesses within the county.  

Under the ordinance, the Pope County Board will retain registration authority, but the registrations and renewals and processing will be delegated to Horizon Public Health, the Sheriff’s Office will assist Horizon with compliance and regulatory checks, and the Land and Resource Management Department will provide recommendations and determinations on compliance of proposed land uses, it was stated.

A summary of what’s in the ordinance

The ordinance No. 202405 specifically provides for the regulation of cannabis businesses and events in Pope County the manner local governments are allowed by Minnesota Statutes.  Ordinance No. 202405 establishes and defines registration processes for cannabis businesses and sets certain requirements and limitations for operation of cannabis businesses and events.

The ordinance does not limit (or cap) the number of cannabis retail businesses based on population. In addition, it set minimum buffer requirements prohibiting operation of a cannabis business within 1000 feet of a school ; within 500 feet of a day care facility; within 500 feet of an attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors; within 500 feet of another cannabis retail business; and within 500 feet of a church.   

The ordinance also sets violation penalties, fees, application process, and regulates temporary cannabis events.  The ordinance also states that lower-potency hemp edibles and their establishments are subject to the same standards and requirements as corresponding Cannabis establishments to the extent allowed by Minnesota law. 

The ordinance also provides that local governments within Pope County may establish, own, and operate one municipal cannabis retail business subject restrictions and those local government cannabis retailers shall be subject to all the same license requirements and procedures applicable to all other applicants, the ordinance stated.

The public can view the complete ordinance by going to the Pope County website.

Sheriff Tim Riley resigns

The Pope County Board, reluctantly accepted the resignation of current Sheriff Tim Riley effective March 31, 2025.  Riley told the board that after a lot of contemplation, “it’s the right time for me to hang it up.”  Riley has been in law enforcement for 31 years, most of those working for the county.  He said law enforcement was “all I have ever done since I was 20 years old.”   

All the board members thanked Riley for his dedicated service over the years.  Commissioner Larry Lindor told Riley he “has served the county well” and been an asset to the county and he should be proud of his service.

“I’ve had a great career and I’ve always loved my job.”  He commended the staff at the Pope County Sheriff’s Office and the county commissioners.  “The part I will miss the most is the people I see everyday,” Riley added.

Commissioner Paul Gremmels thanked Riley for his service and said he would “regretfully make the motion” to accept his resignation.  Commissioner Gordy Wagner also thanked Riley for his leadership in law enforcement; “especially in the last few years.”

Board Chair Paul Gerde said the board would “reluctantly accept your resignation.”  “We’re all entitled to retirement and you should be proud of yourself and proud of your service to the county,” he added.  

The board unanimously approved Riley’s resignation.

In other action, the board:

• Approved the 2025 fees schedule for county services.

• Approved a 5.5 percent increase in salary for Pope County Commissioners, but left the per diem and other charges the same as in past years.  

• Heard  from Rep. Paul Anderson about the upcoming legislative session which convenes on Jan. 14.  Anderson said it will likely be a different session with the House evenly divided between Republicans and the DFL.  He said he wanted to hear concerns from the board about state action because he would likely not be able to attend a meeting during the session.  He added that the commissioners could contact him any time and that he would see them when they visit the capitol during the session.

• Adopted the 2025 salary of the Pope County Auditor/Treasurer with a 5.5 percent increase.

• Adopted the salaries and wages for non-union positions at Pope County for year 2025. In the preliminary budget, personnel wages and salaries for non-union positions were budgeted to have a general wage adjustment of 2.5%, and also a 3.0% step increase if eligible, as well as providing for an increase to cafeteria plan payments in the amount of $50 per month. The adjustments are consistent with the wage and cafeteria plan payments granted to union employees for 2025, which are governed by contracts already approved by the County, Kappmeyer stated at the meeting.  

• Directed county administration to solicit bids from qualified newspapers for Pope County’s Official Newspaper.  Bids or quotes received by the county administrator’s office will be presented to the board at its first meeting in January for acceptance and designation of the successful publication as the official legal newspaper for 2025.