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Morrison County commissioners decline to waive 60‑day permit rule for planned Feb. 22 ‘Anchor on Ice’ event
Summary
County staff briefed commissioners on an organizer‑planned cannabis‑related event at Anchor North on Lake Alexander; commissioners voted not to waive the ordinance’s 60‑day application deadline, halting progress unless the organizer meets the standard timeline.
Morrison County commissioners on Tuesday decided not to waive a 60‑day application requirement in the county’s cannabis events ordinance for a proposed Feb. 22 event called ‘‘Anchor on Ice’’ at Anchor North on Lake Alexander in Cushing.
County staff told the board the event organizers plan vendors and an expected attendance of about 150 people and that some permits for the water surface and a DNR fishing event already exist. Staff said the county’s cannabis ordinance (adopted Dec. 17) requires applications 60 days before an event; the county had not received the formal cannabis event application and staff asked the board to consider a waiver so the organizer could proceed with review on an expedited schedule.
Several commissioners said they were concerned about precedent, local readiness and unresolved state rulemaking. Commissioner Blaine argued against a waiver, saying allowing the event would create a precedent and could expose the county to liability; he said, "I would definitely be against this because the fact that ... they have not even secured an application for us." Commissioner Moran and Commissioner Casper echoed concerns about public‑safety readiness and orderly local processes.
County staff noted the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) had not completed state licensing rules for specialty events and that its website is currently directing questions back to local ordinances. County Attorney Mittendorf told the board that, absent finalized state licensing, the county’s ordinance would govern local decisions. Staff also said some low‑potency hemp vendors can register with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), but that retail cannabis licenses under state law had not yet been issued.
The board took a motion to deny the waiver of the 60‑day requirement. The motion to deny was moved by Commissioner Blank, seconded by Commissioner Casper, and the motion carried by voice vote.
Commissioners asked staff to provide a follow‑up memorandum from the county attorney on several legal questions including (1) the county’s authority to deny or delay permitting during ongoing state rulemaking, (2) enforcement options if an unpermitted event occurs, and (3) the interaction between the county ordinance and state registrations for low‑potency hemp. Staff said they would return with written guidance.
Ending: With the board declining to waive the 60‑day requirement, staff told the meeting they would notify event organizers and provide follow‑up guidance from the county attorney; no permit for the advertised Feb. 22 date was approved at the meeting.
