JENKINS — Following the adoption of a cannabis ordinance amendment in August, one applicant submitted litigation threats, and Jenkins city attorney Brad Person resigned.

Person did not specifically say the two issues were connected.

Cannabis license applicant Drake Beyer spoke out against the council’s decision to choose its one licensed cannabis business by a lottery system instead of by chronological application process (first come, first served), saying the council didn’t clearly define how a lottery would work.

At its second monthly meeting July 22, the council planned to select the license on the first-come, first-served basis after review by Person. Upon review, Person recommended a lottery when asked how to define which applicant was first.

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the council agreed on selection by lottery.

Beyer also questioned why a vote occurred while there was a council absence at the July 22 meeting rather than delaying the vote for the full council. Beyer said he wants to establish his business in Jenkins but needs a decision soon.

Mayor Andrew Rudlang said the council will do its best to expedite the process, but in the wake of Person’s resignation, the council was seeking assistance in finding an amenable solution.

The council is currently looking for a new city attorney. The law office of Flaherty and Hood, which represents Pequot Lakes, offered to provide assistance with the cannabis ordinance for $350 an hour. The council accepted.

Flaherty and Hood does not act as city attorney for any cities as small as Jenkins, but still offered help with this specific issue. The council will continue to consider applicants for official city attorney.

The city has received two proposals that are in consideration, according to draft meeting minutes from the Sept. 8 regular council meeting.

In other business Sept. 8, the council:

• Approved a lawful gambling permit for Snarky Loon Brewing Company with Pine River Area Foundation being the applicable nonprofit.
• Approved an agreement with the Diamond Club for use of the city ballparks, including accepting a donation of $960 toward the cost of satellite toilets for the 2025 season. 

JENKINS — Following the adoption of a cannabis ordinance amendment in August, one applicant submitted litigation threats, and Jenkins city attorney Brad Person resigned.

Person did not specifically say the two issues were connected.

Cannabis license applicant Drake Beyer spoke out against the council’s decision to choose its one licensed cannabis business by a lottery system instead of by chronological application process (first come, first served), saying the council didn’t clearly define how a lottery would work.

At its second monthly meeting July 22, the council planned to select the license on the first-come, first-served basis after review by Person. Upon review, Person recommended a lottery when asked how to define which applicant was first.

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the council agreed on selection by lottery.

Beyer also questioned why a vote occurred while there was a council absence at the July 22 meeting rather than delaying the vote for the full council. Beyer said he wants to establish his business in Jenkins but needs a decision soon.

Mayor Andrew Rudlang said the council will do its best to expedite the process, but in the wake of Person’s resignation, the council was seeking assistance in finding an amenable solution.

The council is currently looking for a new city attorney. The law office of Flaherty and Hood, which represents Pequot Lakes, offered to provide assistance with the cannabis ordinance for $350 an hour. The council accepted.

Flaherty and Hood does not act as city attorney for any cities as small as Jenkins, but still offered help with this specific issue. The council will continue to consider applicants for official city attorney.

The city has received two proposals that are in consideration, according to draft meeting minutes from the Sept. 8 regular council meeting.

In other business Sept. 8, the council:

• Approved a lawful gambling permit for Snarky Loon Brewing Company with Pine River Area Foundation being the applicable nonprofit.
• Approved an agreement with the Diamond Club for use of the city ballparks, including accepting a donation of $960 toward the cost of satellite toilets for the 2025 season.