2015.05.12 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 12, 2015 Page 4 of 13 reflected in the proposed ordinance. This is because the regulations that would be enacted by the proposed ordinance aim to address the main areas of concern and /or complaint and that directly impact the everyday quality of life for New Brighton residents. Staff maintains these regulations, and other similar regulations, may be revisited if and when other issues emerge. She recommended the Council hold a public hearing and adopt Ordinance 834 amending Article 1 of Chapter 6 of the City Code concerning fowl and bees. Mayor Jacobsen asked what the lot size had to be in order to allow for 24 chickens. Assistant Director of Community Assets & Development/Planning Director Gundlach reported that after much discussion by the Council, 24 chickens would not be allowed on any lot in New Brighton. The maximum number of chickens allowed would be 18 and only on lots larger than one acre. Councilmember Burg questioned if the City restricted chickens under its current code. Assistant Director of Community Assets & Devetopment/Planning Director Gundlach explained that the City had Ordinance in place to regulate chickens at this time. Councilmember Burg inquired how many lots in New Brighton were larger than one acre. Assistant Director of Community Assets & Develop im it/Planning Director Gundlach commented the City had 94 lots that were larger than one acre. Councilmember Jacobsen asked if there were currently chickens in residential neighborhoods. Assistant Director of Community Assets & Development/Planning Director Gundlach was aware of at least 30 properties in New Brighton that had chickens. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned how many calls for service or complaints the properties with chickens generated on a yearly basis. Code Enforcement Officer Hatch recalled that five complaints were received last summer. He believed that each of the disputes were able to be resolved with the nei ghbols. Motion by Councilmember Bauman, seconded by Councilmember Burg to open the Public Hearing. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried The Public Hearing was opened at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Jacobsen asked for additional comments. Julia Stephens, 720 Forest Dale Road, understood the Council has been discussing this topic for several years. She thanked the Council for listening to both sides of this issue in order to reach a balanced solution. She requested that the City reconsider how it has allotted chickens per lot size. She suggested that one chicken be allowed per 2,000 square feet for lots over 10,000 square feet. She felt this was a more fair option for homeowners with larger lots. She encouraged New Brighton to be forward thinking. Bruce Knight, 50 32"d Avenue NW, stated he was against having chickens in the City of New Brighton. He opposed this for the following reasons: aesthetics, health and safety, property values, tax revenue and expenses, and lastly, common sense. It was his opinion that chicken coops were unsightly and numerous coops around the City would bring down property values. He believed that the risk for disease and predatory animals coming into the community would increase if chickens were allowed. He commented that the City would not be making any additional revenue by allowing chickens, but may have increased expenses due to the staff it would take to enforce the Ordinance. Mr. Knight recommended that the Council hear the voice of the residents not in favor of chickens. Rick Moses, 2049 29th Avenue NW, preferred that the City of New Brighton not allow chickens. He was concerned about property values and how those would be impacted if his neighbors were to have chickens. He suggested that if chickens were allowed, that the City license, regulate and enforce City Code requirements. He believed that the task force did not fully address odor and noise concerns. He commented that if odors occur, the homeowners