[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6124675,"mediaKeyId","2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2","parentId",2680633,"title","Chaska adopts cannabis retail registration and public‑smoking ordinances; council limits hours and public use","audioSeconds",1269,"startMs",4561000,"endMs",5830000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2&start=4561&end=5830","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2/thumbnail_4561000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6124675/Minnesota/Chaska-adopts-cannabis-retail-registration-and-publicsmoking-ordinances-council-limits-hours-and-public-use","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124675-c061584dd82ac5b68ac62d8d44375eec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142889&Signature=d-t6RTcCkQkRw~HtJIvoKP60cM3L6hrTt16EYLKNU~1BbRpsDZMJ~tbWs8r9VT15-pYit4zACS7xU9HIHD8uMW3NEL9rWiwV9HP6cOeSKvQ7S94zkWXvZzT7go7PtgvcG5FU5pZGD-OXXdt3gEw4ahrV0TvcmS8DTIaOzGVBAE2ZxH3eYXo1dD7cV1zVW-BoL-9YdTdX0Itfq410g6BFuue7pnHNOFq08479CZ3~BW9QxL~b7KXIWAj8DCTyDIF3vQLNJLTyBpI1GxJWXFleRCybDxfaqdDp1TcXuU-GYZxOff4qrPEGlOFC1ld0BCfWFT6~uJ01coPJkPk-On7p5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Chaska, MN","date","2025-03-18T14:18:32Z","article","The City of Chaska council adopted two ordinances Monday that regulate the sale and public use of cannabis and that broaden outdoor public‑smoking prohibitions on city property.

City staff explained the first ordinance would require local retail registration for cannabis retailers and set the city’s maximum retail registrations to the minimum number required by state statute. Under current Minnesota statute language cited by staff, that minimum equates to one registration per 12,500 residents; with Chaska’s population, staff said the city is required to allow a minimum of three retail registrations. The ordinance also makes public use of cannabis a petty misdemeanor, requires registered retailers to provide video and audio surveillance, and calls for at least one annual compliance check per registered retailer.

Elise (staff) told council that the state will award licenses through a lottery for applicants statewide; the city cannot refuse a retailer who is granted a state license but can require local registration paperwork and fees and can deny registration if an applicant fails the city’s registration requirements. Staff said registration fees will be set at the maximums allowed by statute and that collected fees will be used to fund enforcement and administration, including police compliance checks.

Council members set hours of sale for retail cannabis registration at 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays, mirroring off‑sale liquor store hours. Temporary cannabis events must be held between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. and cannot be held in public spaces, staff said.

The second ordinance extends the city’s prohibition on tobacco smoking to city‑owned facilities, grounds, parking lots, work areas, vehicles and equipment, and most outdoor park and recreation areas, including playgrounds, beaches, nature areas, trails and recreation centers. The city proposed a limited exception to permit smoking on active golf course playing areas (but not in parking lots). The smoking ordinance also treats violations as a petty misdemeanor punishable by a fine.

The cannabis ordinance was moved by Council member Grama and seconded by Council member Benesch; the smoking ordinance was moved by Council member Benesch and seconded by Council member Hatfield. Council adopted both ordinances by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Chaska City Council 3.17.25","oneSentenceSummary","The council adopted two ordinances: one establishing local retail registration limits and public‑use prohibitions for cannabis (matching state minimums, currently three retail registrations) and one prohibiting smoking on city‑owned properties and most public park spaces; both carry petty‑misdemeanor penalties and compliance checks for retailers.","taxTitle","City of Chaska, Carver County, Minnesota","taxId",70659,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6124680,"Council approves concept plan for EDCO manufacturing site in Chaska industrial park",1310,3244000,4554000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2&start=3244&end=4554","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2/thumbnail_3244000.jpg","/articles/6124680/Minnesota/Council-approves-concept-plan-for-EDCO-manufacturing-site-in-Chaska-industrial-park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124680-d0e8061c96240955fbb0238506b1be4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142889&Signature=lIRU1mFOYOlU1~UXALevETWMjjODFCOFnpBKANnPCusFSiS~5eykDfOUzQ7tB0xo5s31nOK~FkLcQfHlmScA9uhJJhSxp5a5RGLMookw7xDnkLDF79r40hj6zRCC5DsGLcmUqXBQB223yk-X9R1McIwnK~NxqjZIqT-XXfK72knU8fRhYcQguZuPvj6B1iiFKLJ~4OZuy5PfJivz~BYLU7wby4H2WfgXBxSbm42nD~acZ5VySmjYXncIUOMRPacC16m60GI9xnoeeYPdtld2SsC7KWP28bTd8UzrxAgrQW~SAO1Qq0Lxk5Y2mC023XyiNPGuIORRGFGgW3sfpsucwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Chaska council adopted Resolution 2025‑21 on Monday approving a concept plan for EDCO’s proposed manufacturing and office facility off Creek Road in the Chest Creek Industrial Park.

City planning staff presented the concept plan and recommended approval with conditions. The project site, a roughly 28‑acre Haskin family parcel north of Creek Road and west of the Chaska Creek Center, would host a proposed 240,000‑square‑foot building with a potential future expansion of up to 20,000 square feet, roughly 85 parking stalls on the west side and an employee count estimated at about 55.

Planner comments to council noted known wetlands on the north and south sides of the parcel, a 20‑foot electric easement along the north property line, and the need for wetland mitigation and stormwater planning at the preliminary site‑plan stage. Staff also recommended further work on proof‑of‑parking exhibits, loading‑dock orientation, landscaping and screening facing nearby rural residential properties, and pedestrian amenity areas for employees.

EDCO’s chief executive, John Lewis, told the council the company — founded in Minnesota in 1946 and family‑owned — intends to relocate most manufacturing and office staff to the Chaska site while keeping a distribution warehouse in Hopkins. Lewis said the move will support future growth and retain the firm’s Minnesota operations.

Council member Hatfield moved the resolution; Council member Grau seconded. The motion carried by voice vote and the council approved the concept plan. Staff will require the applicant to address the listed conditions in the subsequent preliminary‑plan review.","The council adopted Resolution 2025‑21 approving a 240,000‑square‑foot industrial concept plan for EDCO off Creek Road, with staff conditions on parking, wetland mitigation and screening for adjacent residences.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6124684,"Council approves letter of intent to provide seed funding to Fishing With Friends for pontoon overhaul",1220,1976000,3196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2&start=1976&end=3196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2/thumbnail_1976000.jpg","/articles/6124684/Minnesota/Council-approves-letter-of-intent-to-provide-seed-funding-to-Fishing-With-Friends-for-pontoon-overhaul","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124684-f4d7e32a0d8153fb8e6faf43ddcdfcf4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142889&Signature=mafPsXN8Jmas3CKhIIllWmy4G0F8o50P8bxwo5MFyepO0in-P3lZN4MD96KEjh~KzLrcnvh4OI6sOhVw8GNireVnCL4uwaoujgETiuIxwBRLbk7UAh48SJ~NV~ye3~PmFGHvE2CCdIY9kvM-MzJo0bA3Qv0aj-G7AMOghdwYsdW1XptZwGkSjGh9bG9eEuIzMgGzSODFlwYWzAkSguViyFZT6JrVban3pxOhME0bId5JgLGrbOHHyixE1ilqWgi33o24XuV837iPUQkuUmch4KGTWKCpvF5r3ANuqrrAxXzHLAWp9EF62JzolOyL7yaMrw~8gPF7TJHuvhSOPmJp2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Chaska council voted to authorize a letter of intent that would provide seed funding to Fishing With Friends so the volunteer nonprofit can overhaul an aging pontoon used for community fishing programs.

City staff recounted the group’s history: a $40,000 loan was provided in 2010 to buy the original pontoon, which Fishing With Friends repaid by 2014, and the volunteer organization — which offers family fishing clinics, veterans outings and youth programs based at Howard’s Point Marina — is now seeking roughly $40,000 to refurbish the existing boat rather than buy a new one.

Staff recommended the city provide seed funding under terms similar to the prior arrangement, in which the organization would carry out the repairs in phases (motor work before the season and additional work in the off‑season) and repay the city over a five‑year period. Parks and Recreation uses Fishing With Friends for some of its programming, staff said.

Several volunteer captains from Fishing With Friends described the group’s work: multi‑boat veterans outings, a family fishing event scheduled for June 1 at Fireman’s Park and ongoing youth clinics that provide rods and instruction. The volunteers said the program is funded primarily through local donations and community service organizations and that operational costs on Lake Minnetonka have risen.

A motion to approve the letter of intent was moved by Council member Hatfield and seconded by Council member Benesch. The mayor called for the vote; council members voted in favor and the motion carried.

No dollar amount was explicitly recorded in the meeting motion language; staff materials attached to the agenda described a $40,000 estimated overhaul cost and a five‑year repayment schedule in concept.","The City of Chaska authorized a letter of intent to provide seed funding to Fishing With Friends to overhaul and refurbish a 15‑year‑old pontoon used for free community programs, with a five‑year payback plan.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6124689,"Resident urges council to revisit backyard‑chicken ordinance; council tentatively schedules work session",236,1498000,1734000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2&start=1498&end=1734","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2/thumbnail_1498000.jpg","/articles/6124689/Minnesota/Resident-urges-council-to-revisit-backyardchicken-ordinance-council-tentatively-schedules-work-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124689-da7e3dd9a544f30b209479d9791ed9e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142889&Signature=QMzgKUYtBxgw3hhcHXrQYkFyi-cVHWwRtKS7NSuXqp0OyDg3vklUDEWTuaju63SEFa2J4SBl~u90LblY5oAk1uuUPfMpX1DpUGTCYftSoA0uLIL5wFQy82Dks1DA1I-2M1cNZf8B3sWusL6LVr811CVw37ejuB4Is-0LV2csS6phvmuoJdG119yXT1SznZOFPUpTrRwQR5qNLPAMrsqKD40GY-eUfvRFyg21ui2KsnvRSOMMJT58fHq8pymoGt03SexuI9dvMKx5zlvEjBi2QDuDh89g1G74qocfiV1gQHFhBFY78ZQD-V0KrN3gyRXRXjvCQaJ6EVXMPM379y4gFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kristen Bartley of 1480 Meadow Lane told the City of Chaska council Monday she has spent a decade researching backyard‑chicken rules for cities and asked council to reopen Chaska’s ordinance to permit five hens, no roosters, and a 25‑foot setback from neighboring residences.

“I’m hoping to have your support with changing the current ordinance to 5 hens, no roosters, 25 feet from neighboring, adjacent residential structures,” Bartley said during the visitor presentation portion of the meeting.

Bartley described benefits she associates with backyard chickens — composting, pest control and children’s responsibility-building — and requested that homeowners‑association rules be allowed to supersede the city ordinance where applicable. Council members noted the city studied the topic previously in 2020–2021 and indicated most technical research is already available.

Council members said staff will schedule a work session so councilors and new members can review prior research, compare neighboring cities’ ordinances and consider an application fee and enforcement plan. City staff estimated that prior proposals included a permit fee intended to cover staff time and inspections; Bartley said she worried a high annual fee might discourage participation.

Mayor Hubbard confirmed that the visitor presentation places the request on the record and that a future work session will give the council a chance to revisit the issue with full background materials. No ordinance change or vote occurred at the March 17 meeting.","Kristen Bartley asked the City of Chaska council to allow up to five hens and no roosters, propose 25‑foot setbacks and a one‑time application fee; council members said staff will schedule a work session to review past research and neighboring-city practices.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6124694,"Chaska Library reports nearly 1.5 million checkouts in 2024, expands school card program",248,186000,434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2&start=186&end=434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680633-834561e747a01f872c16fd8a23af89b2/thumbnail_186000.jpg","/articles/6124694/Minnesota/Chaska-Library-reports-nearly-15-million-checkouts-in-2024-expands-school-card-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124694-22544f0401da236cda67c6782b79d205/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142889&Signature=BUMhe9r1GdTK1JMfzd1QgFgWILn~49eoBh9N3mLgHY6Qk-i3nRl1RPjwTc9r0ymKti00Y~Jn0geIHO2dD3NcGbHouUBgSLGZ3cZC5M7yopYKebnJsfqg5gdwiRfFY84qYpXDchKL6Yo4yYGbRdSEWr3QMn8GUwQwpAOP7Qq0K6gDBa4Ht3N0TSeceuKoxDVo6jK9s1HeTifi8VtzCnLTQHfpMypuhorXofR2ulRvqtUbu3KvLvqNXmWkrC9r37M3GImwjXEGmBAfvzTfdwMOZWTwPYHtRSCsz-CbDl5V8qJu0w6IB5k8fJByze7JtqCBGLa0Rlrp8sNFJeLTkvb7Gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chaska Public Library reported nearly 1,500,000 total checkouts systemwide in 2024 and a continued rise in digital borrowing, library director Jody Edstrom said Monday at the City of Chaska council meeting.

Edstrom said countywide digital checkouts through the Libby app rose about 25% in 2024, and that youth print material makes up roughly 46% of the total collection’s circulation. “We reached almost 1,500,000 checkouts … in this last year in 2024,” Edstrom said.

Those figures were part of a broader presentation on services at the Chaska branch by Edstrom and Kevin Spencer, Chaska branch manager. Spencer told the council the Chaska branch welcomed more than 58,000 visitors and logged more than 4,200 program attendees in the last year. At the Chaska location alone, checkouts rose about 20% after the library used a local grant to expand Spanish-language materials, Edstrom said.

Edstrom and Spencer outlined recent and planned services: a virtual library card pilot launched last fall for sixth graders in Chaska Middle School East with a goal of expanding to grades six through 12 across Eastern Carver County Schools; new self-checkout stations and mobile-printing at all branches; expansion of bilingual story times and evening hours; and the addition of free notary services in 2025.

Spencer said youth programming remains central: “We have 2 story times each week on Wednesday and Thursdays at 10:30, and numbers have been increasing with each week.” He also described partnerships with local groups — the historical society, scouts, North Star Therapy animals and Parks and Recreation — and programs ranging from teen trivia nights to a craft swap at other branch locations.

Council members responded with praise for the library’s role as a community gathering place and for outreach into schools. Mayor Hubbard and several council members said they value the library’s role in downtown economic development and community life as the city plans future facilities.

Edstrom invited council members to meet with her about community needs and reiterated that the library is preparing to expand programs and services in 2025.

The presentation concluded with council comments in support of continuing partnerships and an expressed interest in learning more about space needs as the city plans future library facilities.","Library director Jody Edstrom told the City of Chaska council the Chaska branch and county system saw nearly 1.5 million checkouts in 2024, rising digital use, expanded youth services and plans for new services in 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Chaska adopts cannabis retail registration and public‑smoking ordinances; council limits hours and public use

Council approves concept plan for EDCO manufacturing site in Chaska industrial park

Council approves letter of intent to provide seed funding to Fishing With Friends for pontoon overhaul

Resident urges council to revisit backyard‑chicken ordinance; council tentatively schedules work session

Chaska Library reports nearly 1.5 million checkouts in 2024, expands school card program