Melrose Select Board enacts one-year moratorium on hemp-derived THC sales

MELROSE — August 18, 2022 — Melrose Select Board approves hemp-derived THC sales moratorium and clears backlog of infrastructure actions. The board voted unanimously Thursday to enact Ordinance 8-18-2022, placing a one-year moratorium on hemp-derived THC food and beverage sales while the city drafts permanent local regulations; City Attorney Scott warned members not to count on the state legislature to act within that window. The board also renewed its Stearns County Attorney prosecution services contract at $14,175 per year for 2023 and 2024, a five percent increase, and approved a $64,818 payment representing the city's long-outstanding 50 percent share of a 2015 right-of-way property purchase that had never been invoiced. Fire Chief Buddy projected call volume could reach an all-time high of 140 to 150 for the year, while Finance Director Tessa reported general fund revenue of $595,244 through June 30 — about 25 percent of budget — with building permits on pace to substantially exceed 2021 totals. The LCCMR board unanimously approved the Sauk River Park improvement work plan on August 10, advancing plans for new campsites, a canoe and kayak launch, and a fishing pier.