Waite Park Council to Weigh Cannabis Business Approvals, Trail Project Bids at Monday Meeting

(KNSI) – The Waite Park City Council is set to consider several significant items at Monday’s meeting, including the approval of two cannabis business registrations and authorization to put a major trail construction project out to bid.

A pair of cannabis companies has applied for registration to operate in the city. Frontera, LLC seeks approval for a location at 1001 Division Street, while Minnesota Cannabis, Inc. plans to set up shop at 236 2nd Avenue South within the Marketplace. City staff reports that both applicants have completed all required paperwork, passed pre-site inspections, and paid necessary fees, leading to staff recommendations for approval of both registrations.

The council will also consider moving forward with the 2025 trail project after receiving final funding approvals. The project will connect existing sidewalks near the pickleball courts and extend along the north side of 3rd Street before turning to follow the west side of 15th Avenue within the Stearns County 81 right-of-way.

City staff is asking for authorization to advertise and open bids for the project, with construction expected to begin once the Minnesota Department of Transportation completes its approval process. The timeline calls for completion by early July 2026, though officials hope contractors can complete much of the grading work this fall and finish with final surfacing in spring 2026.

The six-week construction project presents some technical challenges, including two areas requiring rock blasting that could impact scheduling. MnDOT has authorized the trail to be constructed with concrete to match the existing infrastructure already in place throughout the area.

The Waite Park City Council meeting begins Monday evening at 6:00 at the District 742 Administrative Offices.

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