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OWN,- city of BRIGHTON the city that works for you Council Worksession October 14, 2014 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Dave Jacobsen Councilmember Gina Bauman Councilmember Brian Strub Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Absent: Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Grant Fernelius- Community Development Director, Grant Wyffels- Public Works Director Guests in Attendance: Urban Farming Lotter explained this meeting was the Council's first attempt to review and respond to the findings from the Urban Farming Task Force. He reported that staff was present from the Community Development department this evening to provide a presentation and to keep this item moving forward. Director Fernelius discussed history of this matter along with the task force's findings in further detail with the Council. He reviewed a matrix of information from the task force and requested comments or direction from the Council on how staff should proceed. Mayor Jacobsen did not believe any final decisions could be made this evening. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked the task force and staff for their time and dedication to this matter. He appreciated the recommendations. He wanted further information from staff on what was being done in surrounding communities with regard to urban farming. Mayor Jacobsen expressed concern with how the City would address noise levels in the R -1 zoning district. He feared it would be difficult to please all members of the community regarding this matter. He believed noise standards be determined by the Council and not by other cities. Councilmember Bauman recommended the Council consider the end goals for urban farming and what could be sustained in New Brighton. She reported her neighbors had chickens and she found them to be loud and distracting. She understood this was a personal right, but she recommended the entire community's needs be considered. Lotter stated the Council could address this matter again on November 5th if further information was needed from staff. Mayor Jacobsen provided comment on an organic farm he purchased in Ottertail County and the numerous regulations that were in place dictating how he could farm. Councilmember Strub indicated property rights were important to homeowners. He did not believe that urban farming was a community -wide issue at this time. Councilmember Bauman discussed the number of calls she has received regarding urban farming. She noted she was trying to stay out of the fray. It was her opinion that the majority of the community was against chickens. She cautioned the Council from not addressing this zoning matter. Mayor Jacobsen commented that times have changed and technology has changed. For this reason, the Council would have to address this matter in further detail. Councilmember Jacobsen recommended this topic be addressed at a future worksession meeting with more