Committee moves Finnegan’s Farm cannabis registration to full council after zoning and security discussion

Patrick and Kelly Finnegan of Finnegan Farms LLC appeared to discuss a cannabis retail registration for 603 9th Street North. Both gave a short presentation and answered council questions about operations, security and compliance.

Kelly Finnegan described customer flow and security: customers would enter a secured lobby, present ID at the door for verification through a POS/ID system, and only then be allowed into the retail area. “Immediately at the door, no one under the age of 21 is allowed inside,” she said. The applicants confirmed they will not permit on‑site consumption and described electronic locks, alarms and a staffed security protocol to enforce policy.

Councilors pressed staff on zoning and legal compliance. The community development coordinator and the city attorney told the committee the proposed location complies with existing zoning and ordinance language; the mayor noted the city is required to issue registration and that the committee’s approval triggers further state review and investigations.

Councilors debated public engagement and timing: some said moving the registration to the full council gives residents another chance to comment, while others said the committee should act. Councillor Johnson moved to approve the cannabis registration application for Patrick and Kelly Finnegan (Finnegan’s Farm) and advance the matter to the council meeting for final action. The committee conducted a roll call that recorded several ayes, one recorded no and two absences; committee members agreed the Tuesday council meeting will include a public appearance slot for further comment and a final vote.

Next steps: staff will prepare the registration materials and the item will appear on the full council agenda, where members of the public may comment and the council will take a final vote.