2015.02.03 Work Session Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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the city that works fur you Present: Mayor Dave Jacobsen Councilmember Gina Bauman Councilmember Brian Strub Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Absent: Councilmember Mary Burg Council Worksession February 3,2015 5:00 pm Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Janice Gundlach-Planning Director, Joe Hatch-Code Enforcement Officer Guests in Attendance: Urban Famung Lotter provided the Council with a matrix and follow-up information on the Urban Farming initiative. He discussed the main topics in further detail and requested direction from the Council on how to proceed. Councilmember Jacobsen asked why staffs recommendation differed from the Urban Farming Task Force with regard to roosters. Planning Director Gundlach explained that staff has learned more information regarding roosters in the City and has therefore made a new recommendation to the Council regarding this matter. She reported at this time, urban farming would be allowed as an accessory use on residential lots. Code Enforcement Officer Hatch further discussed the findings of the task force. Mayor Jacobsen expressed concern on how a crucken coop with 24 cruckens would adversely impact the value of rus property. Planning Director Gundlach stated the task force found trus to be appropriate, but stated the Council could address make other recommendations. Code Enforcement Officer Hatch stated that the Council could elect to have neighbors sign off on a crucken coop, prior to installation. Mayor Jacobsen believed that the noise and smell of 24 cruckens should be considered. He asked if there was enough staff on hand to enforce the proposed rules. It was his opinion that the number of cruckens allowed should be reduced. Lotter suggested the Council review the topics addressed by the task force and provide staff with direction on each matter. Councilmember Bauman suggested the Council not place too much weight on the recommendations of the task force, but rather draw its own conclusions on what was best for the City. She reiterated that each of the recommendations was "proposed". She commented that the final determination would be left with the City Council. She did not understand why people in an urban/suburban area were wanting cruckens. She did not support having any chickens or coops in the City of New Brighton. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned what the average number of cruckens was on a property. Code Enforcement Officer Hatch estimates that most properties did not have more than six to 12 cruckens. Councilmember Bauman recommended that roosters not be allowed on New Brighton properties. She did not believe that it was reasonable for residents to assume they could have a hobby farm in a residential area. J Further discussion ensued regarding the keeping of bees. Councilmember Bauman recommended that a larger setback be considered for bee keeping for the safety of surrounding