Business, Housing and Zoning Committee Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee of the Minneapolis City Council met on October 14, 2025, at 11:34 AM. Chair Jamal Osman presided with a quorum of five members present (Councilmembers Vita, Cashman, Chavez, Vice Chair Chowdhury, and Chair Osman; Councilmember Jenkins was absent and arrived later). The meeting included consent agenda approval, two public hearings (cannabis events ordinance and Cedar Inn liquor license), and three quasi-judicial license hearings.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6–11 were approved unanimously, including: one liquor license (item 6); 26 liquor license renewals (item 7); acceptance of a grant for regulatory services to attend the Best Friends conference (item 8); approval of 2025 fall brownfield grant applications (item 9); authorization of an Ownership Opportunity Loan for FIDO 24 LLC (item 10); and setting public hearings for October 28 on heritage preservation (item 11) and affordable housing units (item 12). Councilmember Chowdhury spoke in support of item 10, noting it supports an Uptown business owner.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Hearing 1 – Cannabis Events Ordinance

• Josh Wilkinson (founder/owner of Legacy Glassworks, Legacy Cannabis, and Legacy Cup Cannabis Festival) spoke in support of the ordinance but requested that Section 325.4(c) be amended to allow cannabis events in city parks, citing the success of the Legacy Cup (nearly 12,000 attendees) and the need for flexibility. He expressed willingness to work with the Parks Board for an exemption.
• Anthony Newby (Ward 5 resident) expressed overall support but asked the council to consider variances for licensed events to allow safe consumption in public spaces, particularly for renters who cannot consume at home. He noted that state law and Parks Board rules limit public consumption.
• Chair Osman kept the public hearing open and continued the item to the next meeting (October 28) for further discussion.

Public Hearing 2 – Cedar Inn Liquor License (Sunday sales and 2 a.m. license)

• Manager Amy Lingo presented the proposed 18 conditions negotiated with the licensee, including earlier closing times (midnight Sunday–Monday, 1 a.m. Tuesday–Saturday), outdoor patio closure at 10 p.m., dedicated security, and a phased approach to liquor (wine/strong beer for eight months before full liquor). She noted 59 public comments in opposition, 17 in support, and a petition with 439 signatures in support.
• Multiple neighbors (Lauren Piper, Suzanne Force, Ruth W., Martha W., Liz, Brad Higgie) spoke in opposition or urged earlier closing times (11 p.m. school nights, midnight weekends) citing noise, parking, safety, and disruption to families. Brad Higgie reported prior incidents including terroristic threats and prolonged activity until 4 a.m.
• Supporters (Heidi Johnson – employee, Helen Def Lorin, Adam Jackson, Stefan Swanson – deputy chief MFD) testified that the bar has been a good neighbor, that conditions are fair, and that earlier closing would hurt competitiveness. Johnson noted surrounding bars (e.g., Chatterbox) stay open until 1 a.m.
• Councilmember Chowdhury moved to amend the item to include the 18 conditions, explaining they represent a significant compromise that balances neighborhood concerns and business viability. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Cannabis Events Ordinance – Continued to October 28, 2025, with the public hearing left open. Councilmember Cashman questioned staff about other cities’ regulations; Chair Osman raised concerns about the 300-foot buffer from residences limiting venues in dense areas.
• Cedar Inn Liquor License – After public testimony and staff explanation, the committee voted to approve the license with the 18 conditions. Councilmember Jenkins voiced support for the thorough conditions. The final council vote is scheduled for October 23, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Cannabis Events Ordinance: Continued to October 28, 2025.
• Cedar Inn Liquor License: Approved with 18 conditions (unanimous voice vote).
• Campus Market Tobacco Dealer License (Quasi-Judicial): The committee adopted the hearing officer’s report recommending a $2,000 fine and 120-day license suspension for a third violation of selling flavored tobacco products. The vote was 5-1 (Chair Osman dissented, favoring 30-day suspension). The license holder’s argument that he previously held an exclusive license was refuted by staff, who stated that was a data entry error for a previous owner.
• Noon Trust Strength Food Manufacturer License (Tax Delinquency): Moved without recommendation to the full council (unanimous). Staff noted the licensee is in a payment plan with the state Department of Revenue.
• PMR Mechanical Inc. HVAC Contractor License Revocation: The committee adopted the hearing officer’s findings and upheld the revocation due to continuous use of unlicensed workers, building code violations, and lack of good-faith compliance (unanimous vote).