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<br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented at the Eight City Mayor’s meeting she expressed concern about the <br />number of tobacco shops in the community. She noted she has had outreach from the Smoke Free Coalition <br />and they were interested in speaking to the Council. She explained she was in favor of the Council putting a <br />moratorium in place until this issue could be further discussed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg stated her feelings were mixed on this issue. She understood smoking was not good <br />for peoples health, but she also wondered if the free market should decide how many tobacco shops were <br />located in New Brighton. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth supported a moratorium being put in place until the Council could further discuss <br />this matter. She noted the City had a limit on liquor licenses and should perhaps have a limit on the number of <br />tobacco licenses. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen agreed a moratorium and a limit on the number of tobacco shops should be put in place. <br />He supported there being restrictions in place on tobacco sales. He commented on how tobacco shops were <br />now moving towards THC sales. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned what role staff had in the sale of THC products. Massopust reported City <br />staff had no role in the sale of these products. He commented on how other cities have put moratoriums or <br />ordinances in place to regulate THC sales. He explained the Council could discuss THC products and tobacco <br />shops at future workshop meetings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle stated he supported a moratorium being put in place, along with limiting the number <br />of tobacco licenses as well. <br /> <br />Massopust reported a moratorium could be put in place for one year. He explained staff could draft an <br />ordinance that the council could consider on Tuesday, January 24. He discussed how the State legislature <br />would be addressing THC within their upcoming session. He asked if the council wanted to address THC or <br />wait until the State has made a determination. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen asked if the City was having any issues surrounding the sale of THC products at this <br />time. Massopust explained he was not aware of any active problems. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle supported the City waiting to address THC until action had been taken by the State. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated she supported a moratorium on the sale of THC products. <br /> <br /> <br />Worksession adjourned at 6:20 pm <br /> <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Terri Spangrud <br />City Clerk <br />