Northfield Planning Commission Meeting - November 20, 2025

[The Planning Commission convened at 6:00 PM on November 20, 2025, in Council Chambers. The meeting primarily focused on a public hearing and subsequent approval of a conditional use permit for a cannabis retail establishment, along with updates on city development projects.]

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously by a 7-0 vote.
• The September 18, 2025, Planning Commission meeting minutes were approved unanimously by a 7-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments during the open public comment period or the public hearing.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing for Conditional Use Permit (CUP) – Fares Ibrahim for Cannabis Retail at 2010 Jefferson Rd, Suite C
  • Associate Planner Mathias Hughey presented the CUP application, explaining that all criteria were met, and staff recommended approval to the City Council.
  • The public hearing was opened at 6:03 PM and closed at 6:23 PM with no public testimony. A motion to close the hearing passed 7-0.
• Consideration of PC Resolution 2025-011
  • Following the hearing, the Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to approve the resolution granting the conditional use permit for Fares Ibrahim to operate a cannabis retail establishment at the specified location.
• Staff Updates
  • Interim Community Development Director/City Planner Mikayla Schmidt reported:
    • Houseal Lavigne has been selected for the Land Development Code (LDC) update; the contract will be presented to the City Council in January.
    • The Archer project has been placed on hold.
    • Cedar Meadows has closed on financing; work is ongoing to obtain signatures on the Development Agreement and record the plat.
    • Staff is working with POST (Preservation of the 60s) on the Ames Mill dam project.
    • New Community Development Director Scott Wopata will start on December 22, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• The Planning Commission approved PC Resolution 2025-011 (Conditional Use Permit for cannabis retail) by a 7-0 vote, recommending the permit to the City Council.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:36 PM following a unanimous motion.