Patrick and Kelly Finnegan, of Finnegan Farms, met with the Lake County Board last week to update the commissioners on the status of the micro-cannabis business that they are working toward establishing at their farm. The Finnegans have met with the board previously to talk about their efforts to align their agriculture and small business operations with state regulations.
Finnegan Farms specializes in the production of organic vegetables and micro-greens, and the Finnegans are hoping to expand their production facility to include a micro-cannabis growing and processing operation. They have received preliminary approval from the State to move ahead in this new venture but are awaiting decisions from the county board as to how the county will monitor the environmental standards and zoning of their expanded operation. The state of Minnesota requires that cannabis farmers submit a detailed plan for wastewater management and the disposal of extraction waste products. The Finnegans submitted their plan to the board and are awaiting a green light from the board so that they can move ahead. In Minnesota, a micro-cannabis operation is limited to a maximum of 5000 square feet for indoor production or a maximum of one-half acre of outdoor cultivation. The amount of cannabis products that are produced is limited to what can be harvested with in the space allowed, and the micro-business can operate only one retail location to sell its product.
If the government shutdown continues, the possibility exists that there will be a block on federal money to the state for SNAP bene fits starting in November.
The Board is considering the benefits to the county of getting Pulsar to locate its operation in Lake County. Discussions on this issue are ongoing.
There will be a public hearing scheduled for December 16th to discuss a tax abatement plan for the Vision multi-family housing development that is slated to break ground in the Spring.
The board authorized a proclamation observing Operation Green Light for Veterans from November 4th through 11th. Citizens are encouraged to recognize the importance of honoring all veterans who have served and sacrificed to preserve our freedom. Residents can do this by displaying a green light in a window of their residence or place of business.
Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy will be leaving her position at the end of December. She has served the county for ten years, coming on board when the Environmental Services Department was first created. McCarthy has been directly involved in planning and zoning and has overseen the expansion of the recycling center and managed the septic inspection program. She has overseen the changes to local landfill operations and has brought a wealth of knowledge and skill to running the Environmental Services Department. The commissioners accepted her resignation/retirement with regret.
The next Lake County Board meeting is scheduled for October 28th at 2:00 PM.
