Council approves liquor license, plat and several development permits; no public opposition recorded

The Blaine City Council on April 6 approved several routine development and licensing items in a single meeting session.

Licensing: The council approved an on‑sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor license for Smoke and Spice Korean barbecue at Northtown Mall (agenda item 8.2). The clerk said the application was complete and approval was contingent on a successful background check; Director Selman said the business aims to open in May or June if permits and inspections are completed.

Plats and permits: The council approved a preliminary plat, Elizabeth Marie Estates (9.1), to subdivide one lot into seven single‑family lots and an outlot; staff and the planning commission recommended approval with standard conditions (park dedication, tree replacement and utility fees). A conditional‑use permit for a 65‑foot dynamic billboard on 35W (9.2) was approved with staff conditions after the planning commission recommended approval and no public comments were recorded. A conditional‑use permit for a cannabis manufacturing facility (9.3) in an I‑2 industrial zone was also approved with conditions; council members asked about odor/complaint procedures and staff said they would investigate complaints and require mechanical/ventilation remedies if necessary.

Why it matters: These approvals advance multiple private projects and a local restaurant license, with staff noting compliance with zoning and code requirements. Several items had no public speakers at the hearings and were bundled for council action.

What’s next: Smoke and Spice will complete background checks and building/health inspections before opening; the approved plat and CUPs will proceed to final permit steps and conditions listed in staff reports.