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Email to Resident re Questions on Emerald Horizon CUP1 Kyle Morell From:Kyle Morell Sent:Monday, April 6, 2026 3:16 PM To:'Bailey Notch' Cc:Greenlee Dahle Subject:RE: Conditional Use Permit comments April 7th meeting Bailey, Thank you for your comments. I have responded with my comments below in blue. I will add this email to the Planning Commission packet, so they are aware of your concerns. Kyle H. Morell City Administrator City of Scandia 14727 209th Street North Scandia, MN 55073 Phone: 651.433.2274 Fax: 651-433-5112 Cell: 651.245.2654 Web: www.cityofscandia.com Email: k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us From: Bailey Notch <baileynotch@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 11:11 AM To: mail <mail@ci.scandia.mn.us> Subject: Conditional Use Permit comments April 7th meeting Hello, I have quite a few questions and concerns for the Conditional Use Permit being discussed on April 7th. I have not participated or sat in on a hearing, so not sure how extensive/detailed this submission needs to be. Happy to cut out items as needed since I am sending the full list. My biggest concerns are a few discrepancies in the CUP/site plan/hearing announcement, potential impacts to the surrounding community, and odor control/containment/complaints. Below is the full list I have compiled, let me know if I can provide and context. Thank you, Bailey Notch 651-491-8031 2 Discrepancies in CUP/site plan/public hearing announcement  Public hearing mentioned light manufacturing of low-potency hemp edibles, but that is not in the CUP, what is true? The applicant plans to manufacture both cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles at the site.  There is a discrepancy between the site map and the permit. Permit states that there will be no use of property outdoors, but the site map shows a compost shed. What is the correct answer? The applicant does plan to have a compost shed on site. It was installed by the current owners. The applicant does not plan to grow, sell, or manufacture cannabis or hemp related products outside. Community Concerns  If odor becomes an issue, has the impact to the surrounding homes, restaurants, retail stores, and Scandia events (like Taco Daze) been considered? The applicant is required to have odor reducing filtration system on site. It is overseen and regulated by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). They are also planning on planting odor absorbing trees and shrubs on site. As with any agriculture, odor is inevitable.  How does this benefit Scandia outside of taxes being paid? Benefit to the community is not an evaluation criteria. It is reviewed for compatibility with its zoning district and future land use designation.  Is the owner local? I do not believe so, but it is not an evaluation factor.  Will hiring be done locally? Unknown, but not something we regulate. Odor & Air Quality  How will the city verify odor control is working? This is the responsibility of OCM. City code only requires compliance with OCM rules and regulations. A current condition of approval is to require annual proof of valid state inspections.  Is there a complaint response process, and how quickly must issues be corrected? Complaints will be made to OCM if there is concern over the machinery not working. There are statutory timelines for response and investigation into complaints.  Will there be regular inspections after approval? This is up to OCM. OCM conducts routine and unannounced inspections of licensed cannabis and hemp facilities, including security, operations, and odor mitigation systems.  What measurable standard determines whether odor control is adequate? OCM enforces compliance through inspection criteria and corrective actions rather than local odor thresholds. Facilities must correct identified deficiencies to maintain licensure. 3  Why are trees only being added to the Southeast of the building?  That is the only location the applicant has proposed planting trees. The Planning Commission can require additional plantings if they deem it appropriate. Security & Safety  Will there be security cameras or alarm systems? OCM requires extensive security measures, including, but not limited to alarms, cameras and lighting.  What other security measures are taking place outside of lights and just planning to install a chain link fence and powered gate? This is up to the applicant. City Code requires compliance with OCM security requirements. The OCM inspects and approves security measures during pre-licensure and ongoing monitoring. Fire Safety & Chemical Handling  Are there any processes being done on site that warrant the fire department to review due to flammable substances or more dangerous processes? The Fire Department was asked for comment on the application. They were mostly concerned with ability to gain access to the building. The applicant stated they will install a fire department key box for emergency access. OSHA requires all flammable and dangerous substances to be labeled. The applicant stated there will be no flammables or combustibles on site, and none will be used in cultivation or manufacturing. Noise  What is the expected noise level at property boundaries? Unknown. The applicant did not share details of the manufacturing process for cannabis or hemp edibles. The City does not have noise regulations that all properties are required to follow.  Assuming the facility needs to be running 24/7, will there be generators or other equipment that will create excessive noise? A current condition of approval is hours of operation from 8 am to 6 pm. If approved with this condition, operation outside this window would violate the CUP and the applicant would risk being shut down.  Do we have any existing local noise ordinances that might impact this? Yes. The City’s noise ordinance language can be found here. Waste Disposal 4  There is a discrepancy between the site map and the permit. Permit states that there will be no use of property outdoors, but the site map shows a compost shed. What is the correct answer? As stated previously, no outdoor growth, sales, or manufacturing of cannabis or hemp related products is planned. No permit is needed to have a compost site on the property. The existing shed is already on site and complies with City standards for accessory structures.  If the compost shed is being used, how will they be mitigating odor? Unknown, the applicant has not shared information on what the compost site consists of, only its location on the property. Compliance & Enforcement  Who enforces compliance—city staff or state regulators? The City enforces compliance with the CUP language and City codes. The State regulates everything related to the issuance of their license to operate.  How can residents file complaints? Complaints to the City can be filed at City Hall. Complaints related to their operations should be filed with OCM.  What penalties exist for violations? Violation of the CUP language can result in the CUP being revoked, which would only prohibit indoor cultivation and light manufacturing of cannabis and low-potency hemp edibles. OCM may issue corrective actions, fines, suspensions, or license revocation for violations of state laws or rules.  Has the applicant operated other facilities, and do they have compliance history? Unknown. This is a new industry in Minnesota, if they have operated other facilities it is likely out of state. Buffer distances  Less than 1,000 feet away from: o Meister’s, The Ozark Tavern, New Scandia Cafe, and Scandia Pizzeria o Elim church o Most retail businesses off of Olinda and the mall with the Post office o New osceola medical clinic o Houses on Oakhill (some with children and pets) o Houses on Ozark ave  Between 1,000 and 2,000 feet away from: o City hall/community center o playground o Pickleball/tennis courts o Skate park/ice rink o Gammelgarden o Other parks  State regulations, should not be: 5 o Within 1,000 feet of a school o Within 500 feet of daycare centers, parks, or youth facilities The State gave cities the ability to establish buffer zones specific to each city. The Council decided to view the manufacturing and sale of cannabis in the same light as alcohol and tobacco. The City does not have buffer zones on the sale or alcohol and tobacco, and therefore did not place any on cannabis. The proposed facility meets all applicable state buffer standards for schools, parks, and daycare and youth facilities.