At the Wednesday, November 6th, MPRB Board meeting, the commissioners will be voting to open public comment time on two cannabis policies. One, not allowing cannabis smoking in parks – a rule (not enforceable) like our tobacco policy. Second, a policy allowing for the sale of THC products at park events and concessions (our park vendors could include on menus throughout the city). This public comment time will open in mid-November and run 60 days. Everyone will have the opportunity to give feedback on these items.
What people will NOT have the opportunity to give feedback on is whether MPRB should be considering an ordinance against cannabis use instead of a simple policy “rule”. The MPRB has an ordinance against the use of alcohol in our parks which if necessary, can be enforced through the writing of a ticket.
If Beltrami and Northeast Park residents would like to encourage staff and commissioners to provide an option for public feedback on BOTH a cannabis ordinance and cannabis policy in the upcoming public comment time, the MPRB Commissioners need to hear your voice now. With the current plan, only a “rule” or policy against cannabis will be considered for board approval after the closure of public comment time.
You can share your opinion via email and coming to speak during the Public Open Time at the MPRB meeting on Wednesday, November 6th, starting at 5:30 PM. To sign up to speak, call 612-230-6400 any time before 3pm the day of the meeting to be placed on the speaker sign-up sheet or sign-up in-person at the Board meeting prior to the start of open time.
Board meetings are held at MPRB Headquarters, 2117 W. River Road. Emails should be sent to staff and especially commissioners. If you know of others in various parts of the city who would be interested in this, please have them reach out to their commissioner as well.
Here are emails of appropriate staff/commissioners.
Staff: Superintendent Bangoura [email protected], Deputy Superintendent Ringold [email protected]
Commissioners:
- Cathy Abene: [email protected]
- Becky Alpe:r [email protected]
- Meg Forney: [email protected]
- Billy Menz: [email protected]
- Steffanie Musich: [email protected]
- Tom Olsen: [email protected]
- Charles Rucker: [email protected]
- Becka Thompson: [email protected]
- Elizabeth Shaffer: [email protected]
The meeting will be available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/@MinneapolisParks/streams